Key Skills

Job Description

PhD Candidate: Computational Modeling and Simulation of Menopause‑Related Heart Rhythm Disorders Join a multidisciplinary team to build patient‑specific digital twins and reveal how menopause drives heart rhythm disorders in women. Project Description and Role Menopause induces profound electrical and structural changes in the heart, yet the mechanisms driving this transition—and the reasons it dramatically increases the risk of heart rhythm disorders in women—remain largely unexplored. In this PhD project, you will play a central role in uncovering these mechanisms by developing advanced, multi‑scale computational models of atrial electrophysiology. You will work with one of the most comprehensive and unique datasets available worldwide: high‑resolution intra‑operative electrical mapping data recorded directly from the human atria during cardiac surgery, combined with ECG, PPG, hormone profiles, and continuous vital signs. All data is collected within Erasmus MC, giving you direct access to clinicians, engineers, and the surgical team collecting the data. This means you will not rely on synthetic or incomplete datasets — you will build models grounded in rich, real-world physiology. Your task is to transform these multimodal datasets into patient‑specific “digital twins” that simulate how atrial electrophysiology evolves across the menopausal transition. You will design and calibrate mechanistic models at the cellular, tissue, and organ scale; develop numerical methods and optimization pipelines; and run large-scale simulations to reconstruct remodeling trajectories and identify the critical “breaking points” that lead to arrhythmias such as sinus node dysfunction and atrial fibrillation. The mechanistic insights and model outputs you generate will directly feed into the women‑specific arrhythmia detection algorithms developed by our industrial partner. Your work will therefore have a clear translational pathway toward real‑world digital health solutions. Beyond modeling, you will contribute to algorithm development for arrhythmia prediction and collaborate closely with clinical researchers during patient recruitment and data collection. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys combining computational modeling, physiology, and real clinical data. Your work will directly advance women‑specific arrhythmia detection and care — making a scientific impact that is both academically significant and clinically meaningful. Quote from a team member: “What I enjoy most is seeing how mathematical models can reveal mechanisms that cannot be directly observed from data.” The position will be available by Q4 2026. The project is funded by Health-Holland. Work environment You will conduct your research within the Translational Electrophysiology Unit of the Department of Cardiology at Erasmus MC. The group is internationally recognized for its work on cardiac electrophysiology and collaborates closely with the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery and multiple research groups at TU Delft. You will join a multidisciplinary, inclusive, and collegial team of clinicians, engineers, and scientists who work together to understand and treat cardiac arrhythmias. The environment is dynamic, supportive, and rich in opportunities for scientific growth. Profile We are looking for a motivated researcher with: A MSc or MEng degree in Mathematics, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computational Science, or a related field Strong interest in computational modeling, simulations, or mathematical physiology. Experience with dynamical systems, numerical simulation, or finite‑element–based modelling approaches is a strong plus. Programming experience (preferably Python, but other languages are also a plus) Affinity with clinical or patient‑related research Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary team Strong analytical mindset and enthusiasm for scientific discovery What we offer A full‑time, 4‑year PhD position A gross monthly salary between € 3.217 and € 4.077 (OIO scale, 36 hours/week) A 13th month paid in November Pension insurance with ABP (Erasmus MC pays 70% of the premium) Access to sport facilities at Erasmus MC A supportive team and excellent supervision Opportunities to attend international conferences and courses A dynamic research environment at the largest academic medical center in the Netherlands More information For more information, please contact: Dr. Vehpi Yildirim, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC Email: [email protected] Phone: 0681249674 Prof. Dr. Natasja de Groot, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC Email: [email protected] Read the full vacancy and apply here: 🔗 https://www.werkenbijerasmusmc.nl/en/vacancy/1347349/phd-position-modeling-menopause-related-heart-rhythm-disorders-4036

Core Responsibilities

Develop and calibrate multiscale computational models and patient-specific digital twins using clinical electrophysiology, ECG, PPG, hormone, and vital-sign data to investigate menopause-related cardiac remodeling and arrhythmias. Build numerical and optimization pipelines, run simulations, contribute to arrhythmia prediction algorithms, and collaborate with clinical researchers on patient recruitment and data collection.

Requirements

A master's degree in mathematics, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, computational science, or a related field is required, along with a strong interest in computational modeling, simulation, or mathematical physiology. Experience with dynamical systems, numerical simulation, or finite-element modeling and programming experience—preferably in Python—are advantageous; candidates should also have an affinity for clinical research, strong analytical skills, and effective communication and teamwork abilities.

Benefits

• 13th-Month Salary
• Pension Insurance
• Access to Sport Facilities
• Supportive Team and Excellent Supervision
• International Conference and Course Opportunities