Title: PhD in Modelling Digestion in the Stomach
Category: PhD Studentship
Employer: Auckland Bioengineering Institue, University of Auckland
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
International: Yes, international applications are welcome
Closure Date: 1 January 2024



Institution: Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, New Zealand

About Us: The Gastrointestinal research group of the Auckland Bioengineering Institute uses a combination of experimental and computational techniques to provide an integrated understanding of 
gastrointestinal function. More information about our group can be found at: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/abi/our-research/research-groups-themes/gastrointestinal-system0/about-our-group.html

Project Description:
Once food is ingested, the stomach serves as a reservoir and continues to break down the food into smaller particles until they are small enough to progress into the small intestine. The rate at 
which different types of foods break down is of great interest to food technologists, pharmaceuticals and bioengineers. Our research group has developed methods to image the contraction of the 
stomach in an MRI and have used these images to develop subject-specific computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to improve our understanding of how stomach contractions mix and break down 
food. 

In the next phase of this research, we seek to use MRI to track the breakdown of food contents over time, and the rate at which food empties from the stomach in both normal subjects and patients 
with chronic indigestion. New CFD simulations, such as with multi-phase flow interactions, will be developed using the stomach MRI data.

Desired skills:
-A Bachelor’s or Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Engineering, Physics, Applied mathematics etc.).
-Strong background in Computational Fluid Dynamics or Numerical Simulations.
-Any experience in particle-based methods such as Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics is nice to have. 
-Proficiency in at least one of the programming languages commonly used in CFD simulations (C++, Python, and/or Matlab).
-Excellent problem-solving skills and a passion for scientific research.
-Effective written and oral communication skills in English.

What We Offer:
-A stimulating and collaborative research environment.
-Opportunities for professional development, including attending conferences and workshops.
-This PhD position will be fully funded; this will include tuition fees, and a tax-free stipend.

Application Process:
Please use the following GPA calculator https://www.gpecalculator.auckland.ac.nz/ to calculate your GPA for your most recent qualification. Only candidates with a GPA of 7 and above will be 
considered. 

If you meet the required GPA please submit the following documents (compiled into a single PDF file) to Dr. Nadun Palmada at nadun.palmada@auckland.ac.nz
1. A cover letter explaining their motivation for pursuing a PhD in CFD modelling of digestion.
2. A detailed CV, including academic qualifications, research experience, and publications (if any).
3. Latest academic transcript.
4. Explanation of how you calculated your GPA.