Michele Marino

Two fully funded PhD positions are open at the University of Rome Tor Vergata in Italy within the ERC CoG VISTA project (No. 101230891). The project focuses on computational modeling and artificial intelligence for cardiovascular disease , specifically the progression of carotid atherosclerotic plaque . The research sits at the intersection of biomedical engineering , mechanical engineering , applied mathematics , physics , and computer science . The team will develop integrated computational frameworks combining physics-based modelling, clinical data, AI-assisted knowledge extraction, knowledge graphs, Bayesian inference, and multiphysics methods to better understand and predict disease progression. There are two complementary PhD topics: one centered on multiscale computational models integrating systemic physiology with local vascular dynamics, and another focused on integrating physics-based models with ontological knowledge graphs, graph theory, natural language processing, and generative AI. Funding is strong: the positions are fully funded for three years, include an employment contract, and offer an enhanced PhD salary around 30% above the standard Italian PhD scholarship. Additional support is available for conferences, mobility, training, and research expenses. Tuition fees are not required, though a small administrative contribution may apply. Eligibility: applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Medical/Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mathematical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or a related field. Strong motivation and an interdisciplinary mindset are expected. Helpful skills include computational modelling, numerical methods, and programming in Python, C++, MATLAB, or Wolfram Mathematica; for one position, experience in multiphysics modelling and reduced-order models is desirable, while for the other, Bayesian inference, graph theory, and AI methods are preferred. Applications must be submitted through the official PhD call in Civil Engineering at the university portal. The official call and deadlines will be posted online; interested candidates are encouraged to contact Prof. Michele Marino in advance to discuss fit and project details.