PhD in Precision Cardiology: Multi-scale Systems Modeling of the Human Heart University of Auckland in New Zealand

Are you ready to redefine how we understand heart disease? This PhD project at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI), University of Auckland, offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of omics data science and advanced computational physiology. The research aims to develop a high-fidelity, multi-scale systems model of the human heart, focusing on how genetic disturbances—even at the level of a single ion channel—can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias. Predicting which DNA variants cause these conditions remains a major challenge in modern medicine.

As a doctoral researcher, you will critically evaluate and harness diverse 'big data' from international repositories, including genomic resources such as the ClinVar database and other emerging omics and functional datasets. By synthesizing complex genetic insights with high-resolution patch-clamp data, you will bridge the gap between molecular biology and clinical cardiology. The project involves building biophysical, energy-conserving mathematical modeling frameworks from the molecular level to the organ level, simulating how microscopic changes in electrophysiology propagate through cardiac tissue to manifest as clinical phenotypes.

This work is at the forefront of the digital twin revolution. You will develop a virtual environment to investigate the phenotypic consequences of genetic disturbances, providing a powerful platform to test how specific DNA variants affect a patient's cardiac rhythm. The research environment at ABI is world-leading, with a focus on research excellence and commercialisation that adds value to society and the global economy.

ABI researchers have designed sensors for non-invasive diagnosis, developed implantable devices to measure brain pressure, and lead the world in building digital models of the human body to enhance personalised medicine. Graduates from ABI are highly employable, with many continuing in research, joining industry leaders, or launching their own startups. The institute welcomes students from over 50 countries and a wide range of backgrounds, including Engineering, Medicine, Mathematics, and Science.

Applicants should have a strong background in Bioengineering, Computational Biology, or Physics, with a passion for coding and curiosity about human electrophysiology. The project offers a chance to lead the charge in multi-scale cardiac modeling, turning raw genetic data into actionable physiological insight and helping to predict the functional impact of the human genome. Applications are accepted year-round.

For more information and to apply, visit the project page on FindAPhD or contact the Auckland Bioengineering Institute.