PhD Studentship in Mechanical Engineering
University of Nottingham
United Kingdom

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.

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