PhD position - 4D flow MRI and CFD & Hemodynamics in the Left Atrium

Société de Biomécanique; Saint-Étienne; Sur place; EUR 18 000 - 24 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research institution in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is offering a PhD position focused on 4D flow MRI and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to enhance understanding of Left Atrium biomechanics. The successful candidate will engage in a collaborative research project for three years, starting in fall 2026. Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in fluid mechanics or biomechanics and demonstrate curiosity in biomedical applications.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in Left Atrium biomechanics and related biomedical applications.
• Experience in 4D flow MRI and Computational Fluid Dynamics is a plus.

Responsabilités

• Post-process 4D flow MRI images for research cohort.
• Apply high-fidelity CFD simulations of hemodynamics.
• Evaluate uncertainties of 4D flow imaging approach.

Connaissances

Fluid mechanics

Biomechanics

Curiosity for biomedical applications

Formation

Background in fluid mechanics and/or biomechanics

Description du poste

PhD position - 4D flow MRI and CFD & Hemodynamics in the Left Atrium

PhD position at the Center for Biomedical and Healthcare Engineering, Mines Saint-Etienne – Laboratoire SAINBIOSE INSERM UMR 1059.

Keywords

4D flow MRI, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Hemodynamics, Left Atrium.

Academic context

The research group at Mines Saint-Etienne leads major international research projects in the domain of soft tissue and fluid biomechanics in the cardiovascular system through a longstanding collaboration with the University Hospital in Saint-Etienne. This project will be a collaboration between Mines Saint-Etienne and TU Vienna and will include a short research stay at TU Vienna. This project also includes collaboration with the University Hospital of Saint-Etienne and the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona.

Scientific context

Interest in Left Atrium (LA) biomechanics has increased in recent years, as impaired atrial function is strongly linked to a higher risk of stroke. Atrial Fibrillation (AF) accounts for about one-third of all strokes, but roughly 20% remain of unknown origin, suggesting other LA-related mechanisms. Blood stagnation caused by altered LA wall mechanics (e.g., fibrosis) may promote thrombo-embolic events. Understanding the coupling between LA biomechanics, remodeling, and intra-atrial hemodynamics is therefore crucial for assessing atrial function and stroke risk. This project aims to develop stroke-risk biomarkers based on 4D flow MRI and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). While advanced imaging has improved LA characterization, modeling provides complementary predictive insights.

Project summary

This project will be based on a dataset of 4D flow MRI images of patients providing 3D blood velocity fields and LA wall motion. The approach will be divided into the following steps:

• Post-processing of the 4D flow MRI images for the cohort.
• Adaptation and application of high‑fidelity CFD simulations of intra‑atrial hemodynamics.
• Evaluation of the uncertainties of the 4D flow imaging approach: down‑sampling of the CFD simulations and comparison to in vivo 4D flow MRI data.
• Evaluation of the predicting potential of the derived metrics: contrasting the in silico derived metrics with the clinical outcomes (occurrence of thrombo‑embolic events).

Combining insights from biomechanics and cardiovascular fluid dynamics with clinical data, this project aims to substantially enhance our understanding of Left Atrium biomechanics, while setting the foundation for a clinically translational approach to predict thrombosis risk in patients.

Student profile

Background in fluid mechanics and/or biomechanics. Curiosity for biomedical applications.

Administrative aspects

This PhD position will be for 3 years, starting in the fall of 2026.

Application instructions

If you are interested, send a curriculum vitae and a short cover letter describing potential previous research experience and interests before Dec. 15th 2025. Please, submit via email with "LA 4D flow PhD" on the subject line to Fanette Chassagne, PhD ([e-mail]).