CSC-Funded PhD Opportunity in Cardiovascular Deconditioning and Space Medicine – Politecnico di Tori

Organisation/Company Politecnico di Torino Department DIMEAS Research Field Engineering » Aerospace engineering Engineering » Biomedical engineering Mathematics » Applied mathematics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 10 Dec 2026 - 00:00 (Europe/Rome) Country Italy Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Nov 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No Offer Description

Cardiovascular Deconditioning in Space Medicine: A Computational Approach to Investigate Mechanisms and Potential Countermeasures Long-duration spaceflight induces cardiovascular adaptations, including cephalad fluid shift, changes in blood volume and venous return, and altered hemodynamic regulation. These responses contribute to cardiovascular deconditioning and may be associated with mission-relevant risks such as Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). The mechanisms linking altered gravity to systemic, cerebral, ocular, and venous hemodynamics remain incompletely understood. This project will build on the group’s existing closed-loop, multiscale 0D–1D cardiovascular model and its subsequent developments to investigate cardiovascular adaptation to altered gravity and the mechanisms underlying deconditioning. The framework will be extended to represent gravity- and posture-dependent processes, including venous collapse, pressure effects associated with lower-body negative pressure (LBNP), and gravity gradients and Coriolis forces during short-radius artificial gravity (AG). Where suitable data are available, model behavior will be evaluated against non-invasive measurements from ground-based analogues, including head-up/head-down tilt, water immersion, and centrifuge studies. The model will then be used to examine the potential physiological effects of countermeasures, particularly LBNP and AG. The aim is to improve mechanistic understanding and generate testable hypotheses to inform future experimental studies and the assessment of potential cardiovascular countermeasures for long-duration spaceflight. Candidates with a background in mechanical, aerospace, or biomedical engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or a related quantitative discipline are encouraged to apply. A foundation in fluid dynamics, numerical methods, and scientific programming would be valuable. Experience applying computational approaches to cardiovascular systems or analyzing physiological data is an asset, but a specialization in space medicine is not required. Interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface of computational science, cardiovascular physiology, and space medicine is expected. Specific Requirements Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria of the PoliTO–CSC call, including citizenship of the People’s Republic of China, a qualifying Master’s degree (or expected completion by the application deadline), the required academic record, and English proficiency at CEFR B2 level.

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