PhD Fellowship - Miniaturized Sensors for Monitoring Heart Function

A 3-year PhD fellowship on sensor development and heart monitoring is available at the Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway

About the Institute for Surgical Research
The Institute for Surgical Research (IKF) at Oslo University Hospital is a leading research center dedicated to advancing medical science through experimental and clinical studies. With over 50 years of history, the institute specializes in cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary medicine, cancer research, stem cell therapy, tissue engineering, and orthopedic surgery. It provides state-of-the-art research facilities, including surgical suites and large-animal laboratories, and serves as a regional core research hub, supporting scientists and clinicians across Norway.

A major focus of IKF is cardiovascular research, where researchers work on improving heart failure diagnostics, pacemaker treatments, and advanced imaging techniques. The institute has contributed to key medical innovations, including the development of the Medtronic Hall aortic valve, Doppler-based heart function measurements, and the identification of plasma pro-BNP as a biomarker for heart failure. Current projects include refining patient selection for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), developing non-invasive ultrasound- and sensor-based methods for monitoring heart function, and advancing pressure-strain imaging techniques to assess cardiac mechanics. IKF brings together physicians, biomedical engineers and molecular biologists, fostering a multidisciplinary research environment. With over 60 scientific publications per year and more than 15 active PhD students, the institute remains at the forefront of cardiovascular innovation, translating innovative research into improved clinical treatments. The PhD candidate will become a member of our Integrated Cardiovascular Function research group. There will be a close collaboration with the Department of Medical Technology and the Intervention Center. Further details about IKF are available at: https://www.ous-research.no/isr/.

Oslo University Hospital is a workplace with great diversity. We believe this is crucial for solving our tasks in the best possible way. We want this diversity to be reflected among the applicants for our positions, and we encourage all qualified candidates, regardless of background, to apply!

Job description

• The PhD candidate is responsible for design and validation of miniaturized sensors including accelerometer, gyroscope and photoplethysmogram sensor to continuously assess the heart function and improve pacemaker therapies.
• The candidate will perform a series of animal experiments to assess miniaturized sensors in varying hemodynamics and interventions.
• The candidate is expected to develop novel algorithms including signal processing and machine learning to identify indices reflecting cardiac contractility using existing and newly collected data.
• The work will be performed in a multi-disciplinary environment involving clinicians and engineers.
• The employment period is three years (commencing approximately September 2025), with the requirement to undertake organized academic training (university courses, 30 credits) and complete a PhD degree.
• Admission to a doctoral degree program is a requirement; including undertaking a total of 30 credits coursework from University in Oslo’s (UiO) PhD courses. For regulations concerning the PhD degree at UiO, see: https://www.uio.no/english/research/phd/.
  

Qualifications

• We seek a talented, enthusiastic, and creative scientist with a strong commitment to research and cross-disciplinary interests.
• Applicants must hold a master’s degree (or equivalent) in fields such as Electrical Engineering, Clinical Medicine, Medical Technology, Biomedical Engineering, Physics or Mathematics.
• Experience with previous scientific publications will be advantageous.
• Excellent English skills (written and spoken) are required.
• Experience (or strong interest) in signal processing, medical sensors, and/or machine learning is advantageous.

We offer

• Competitive PhD fellowship salary according to agreement with hospital policies.
• Professional development in a friendly, multi-disciplinary and international working environment.
• Attractive welfare arrangements.

Application deadline:
14th March 2025, 23:59 (CET)

How to apply:

Interested candidates should apply by clicking the blue button at the top right of this web-page "Apply for position" / “Søk på stillingen”.
Include:

• A short personal statement describing qualifications and motivation.
• Curriculum Vitae (including publication list and previous research/academic experience).
• Copies of relevant academic transcripts and diplomas.
• A brief reference letter from a former supervisor/tutor.
• Contact information for two references we can contact.
• Any additional supporting documents (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS scores, patents, or relevant certifications).