Přehled

Title: Personalized Sudden Cardiac Death Prediction

Study program: Biomedical Technologies and Bioinformatics

Supervisor: Ing. Radovan Smíšek, Ph.D.

Topic description:

Currently, the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) represents the most widely adopted therapeutic approach for preventing sudden cardiac death (SCD). However, its implantation criteria lack specificity, it is not cost-effective, and its use can be cumbersome for patients.

This PhD project aims to enhance the accuracy of SCD risk prediction, thereby improving the clinical effectiveness of ICD therapy.

The research will focus on identifying novel predictive markers of SCD using Ultra-High-Frequency ECG (UHF-ECG) and Broad-Band ECG (BBECG), two innovative technologies capable of analyzing cardiac electrical activity at frequencies up to 1000 Hz. These advanced methods enable the detection of microstructural conduction abnormalities and sodium channel dysfunctions that remain undetectable with conventional ECG, providing new insights into the pathological substrates underlying SCD.

This PhD thesis will be conducted within the framework of the European Union’s Doctoral Networks – Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), under the SEE-YOUR-HEART project. The research will involve close collaboration with partner institutions across nine countries, including universities, companies, and hospitals. The program includes a three-month research stay at the University of Zaragoza and several shorter visits to other partner sites. Funding for the PhD candidate will be provided by the project.

Your task:

  • Identification of innovative parameters predictive of sudden cardiac death.

  • Development of machine learning models to identify patients at risk of sudden cardiac death.

  • Active participation in seminars within the MSCA grant framework.

  • Scientific publishing.

Requirements:

  • Master’s degree in a relevant field, e.g. computer science, biomedical engineering.

  • Strong programming skills, preferably Python, or MATLAB.

  • Familiarity with signal processing techniques and machine learning algorithms.

  • Good communication skills in English.

  • Fulfillment of MSCA grant eligibility requirements. Student must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting organisation for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date.

We offer:

  • Collaboration within an active and interdisciplinary team and with international experts.

  • Friendly and supportive research environment.

  • Participation in an international research project.

  • Opportunities for professional development, including participation in international conferences, workshops, and specialized training.

For more information about this topic please contact Radovan Smíšek – smisek@vut.cz

Application portal: https://www.vut.cz/eprihlaska/

Application deadline: April 30, 2026

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