PhD Studentship in Mechanical Engineering

University of Nottingham

Position Title:

PhD Studentship – Turbulence Detection in Blood Flow Using 4D MRI

Area: Engineering
Location: UK (University of Nottingham)
Reference: ENG304
Closing Date: Tuesday, 28 April 2026

Project Overview

  • Investigate flow disturbances in blood flow, which are vital signs of cardiovascular disease.

  • Develop and optimize 4D MRI scanning strategies for detecting turbulence that Doppler ultrasound cannot accurately measure.

  • Use a vascular flow phantom to guide MRI scanning, with Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) for calibration of MRI data.

  • Employ Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to support in-silico modeling for improved imaging strategies.

Supervision Team

  • Prof Kwing-So Choi – Fluid Mechanics, expert in turbulence and flow control.

  • Prof Penny Gowland – Physics, expert in biomedical MRI and high-field functional/anatomical imaging.

  • Supervision and facilities provided by the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre (SPMIC), a world-leading MRI research centre.

Eligibility

  • Graduates (or expected graduates) with a 1st class degree in engineering, physics, computer science, or applied mathematics (master’s level preferred).

  • 2:1 degree may be considered with relevant research experience.

Funding

  • Self-funded PhD: applicants must secure funding privately or via external/government bodies.

  • Students from China are encouraged to apply via the China Scholarship Council.

Application Instructions

  • Email Prof K-S Choi: kwing-so.choi@nottingham.ac.uk

  • Include:

    • Cover letter

    • Curriculum vitae (CV)

    • Academic transcripts

  • Early applications are strongly encouraged, although the studentship remains open until filled.

Apply