PhD student in Modelling the Effects of CoA Metabolism on the Electrical Activity of the Heart
Deadline: 30.03.2025
Publisert
Simula Research Laboratory AS is a publicly owned research lab located in Oslo, Norway. Simula conducts Information and Communication Technology (ICT) research in the fields of scientific computing, software engineering, communication systems, machine learning and cybersecurity.
Simula's main objective is to create knowledge about fundamental scientific challenges that are of genuine value for society. This is achieved through high-quality research, education of graduate students, industry collaboration, technology transfer, and commercialization. Since 2001, scientific evaluations conducted by the Research Council of Norway has repeatedly placed Simula at the forefront of international research in ICT. The most recent in-depth evaluation was published in 2017, grading the full range of research at Simula as “excellent”.
Simula appreciates diversity. We currently employ approximately 185 individuals from 35 countries and strive to create a family-friendly working environment. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourages women to apply.
Simula has a close collaboration with leading universities in Norway and abroad, both in terms of research and education, and facilitates extended research stays abroad. Our Master's and PhD students conduct their research at Simula, and attend courses and receive their degrees from university partners.
Norway is famous for its outdoor scenery, with gorgeous fjords, waterfalls and mountain ranges. Moreover, Norway is a safe and peaceful country with a thriving economy, offering a high standard of living and all the benefits of a social-democratic welfare state, such as social security and universal public healthcare.
Simula’s mission is to solve important and fundamental problems of science and engineering, with the main goal of benefiting and advancing society. We do this by concentrating on five select research areas in ICT and performing excellent research, by developing our people, and by spinning out applicable results into profitable startups.
In the department of Computational Physiology, we are now seeking a 3-year Doctoral Candidate (DC) to work in a project that is part of the MSCA Doctoral Network on Hub Molecules of Metabolism and Signaling – Key Regulators of Life (HubMOL).
Background:
The HubMOL project aims to study the role of hub molecules in cellular processes and explore their potential for treating metabolic diseases. Coenzyme A (CoA) is a hub molecule involved in many biochemical reactions and metabolism. Deficiency in CoA biosynthesis has been shown to increase the risk of life-threatening heart rhythm disorder. The goal of this project is to use computational modeling to understand the mechanisms underlying CoA disorder and arrhythmogenesis.
To achieve this goal, the candidate will:
Develop a detailed model of cardiomyocyte electrophysiology, including energetics and CoA synthesis.
Investigate the link between CoA biosynthesis and its effect on the cardiac action potential.
Conduct 3D simulations in patient-specific heart geometries to study how changes contribute to arrhythmia generation.
DCs that are part of the MSCA network are expected to have secondments at other institutions. For this DC, the planned secondments will be at University Medical Center Groningen and at Mimetas, both located in the Netherlands.
Keywords
scientific computation, cardiology, arrhythmia
Candidate Profile
We are looking for interested candidates who have a background in computational modeling and biological systems.
International Mobility Requirements
Transnational mobility is a mandatory requirement for this appointment. Candidates must not have resided or conducted their primary activity in Norway for a cumulative period exceeding 12 months within the last 3 years. Short-term stays are disregarded. Applications from researchers of all nationalities are encouraged.
Simula Offers
Excellent opportunities for performing high quality research, as part of a highly competent and motivated team of international researchers and engineers;
An informal and inclusive international working environment;
Generous support for travel and opportunities to build international networks, through established collaboration with industry, exchange programs and research visits with other universities, and funding to attend conferences.
Modern office facilities located at the center of Oslo.
A starting salary of 558.800 NOK.
Numerous benefits: access to company cabin, sponsored social events, generous equipment budgets (e.g., computer, phone and subscription), subsidized canteen meals, comprehensive travel/health insurance policy, etc.
Relocation assistance: accommodation, visas, complimentary Norwegian language courses, etc
Wellness and work-life balance. Our employees' health and well-being is a priority and we encourage them to make use of our flexible work arrangements to help balance their work and home lives efficiently.
Application Requirements
Interested applicants are requested to submit the following:
A cover letter explaining the candidate's background, qualifications, research interests and how/why the candidate is qualified for the position;
Curriculum vitae (summarizing education, positions and academic or industrial work, scientific publications, and software development experience);
Academic transcripts including a copy of Master thesis.
Contact information of two references, including the Master supervisor(s).
Application deadline: March 31, 2025
Contact
Additional enquiries regarding the position can be addressed to co-supervisors Hermenegild Arevalo (hermenegild@simula.no) or Henrik Finsberg (henriknf@simula.no).
Simula uses background checks in our recruitment process.
According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.
