1. Home
  2. Colleges
  3. College of Engineering
  4. Mechanical Engineering
  5. Graduate Assistant Positions

Graduate Assistant Positions

Ph.D. Project:
AI for Cardiovascular Function Tracking and Analysis for Early Detection of Cardiotoxicity

Active Dates:
August 2025 to May 2028

Details:
We are offering an exciting PhD assistantship position at the University of South Alabama (USA) in the Cardiac Mechanics Laboratory, which is a collaboration between the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering (MABE) and the Division of Cardiology in the Department of Internal Medicine. The project will be supervised by USA Associate Professor Dr. Julia Kar at MABE  to develop new trustworthy AI algorithms for tracking the function of the heart in cardiac diseases. The successful candidate will closely collaborate with her and cardiologists working on the same project and on related projects involving patient diagnosis and treatment for cardiovascular dysfunction. The research is embedded in a stimulating interdisciplinary environment with state-of-the-art analysis and ample opportunities for interaction with clinicians and AI experts.  Our research group is one of the world-leading groups for developing and validating AI approaches in cardiac healthcare, with external (NIH) and internal USA funding.

The Cardiac Mechanics Laboratory aims to unravel pathophysiological mechanisms in a broad range of cardiovascular diseases, with a current focus on studying cardiotoxicity caused by chemotherapy treatment cancer drugs. By providing new insights into key mechanisms, we develop and explore new preventive and therapeutic strategies so that drugs such as anthracyclines do not cause cardiotoxicity, which can lead to heart failure. Hence, via continuous interaction between clinical/basic sciences researchers, a unique environment is provided for frontline translational research in cardiac diseases.

Cardiac function testing is conducted with MRI and Echocardiography to diagnose and assess disease severity in patients who undergo antineoplastic chemotherapy treatment. The diagnosis is based on cross-sectional and longitudinal testing (at baseline and 3-monthly follow-ups) to evaluate and understand disease progression. Our vision is that with both follow-ups in individual patients and longitudinal trajectory studies across cancer cohorts, critical prevention strategies and treatment against the unpredictable nature of cardiotoxicity developing due to chemotherapy can be provided. 

Profile Requirements for the Position:

  • Have obtained a Masters in a relevant field, e.g. biomedical engineering or mechanical engineering.
  • Good understanding of AI/Machine Learning.
  • Interest in Biomedical data science.
  • Excellent programming skills in Python and MATLAB. Preferred programming skills in C++.
  • Proficient English, both oral and written.
  • Enthusiasm about research and medical applications of AI.
  • Aptitude to work independently, lead project deliverables, and meet deadlines.
  • Good team spirit and participation toward the lab’s scientific life, including representations at US and international Biomedical Engineering meetings

Offer:

  • Research experience within a prestigious university
  • Cutting-edge research in AI for healthcare in a dynamic research group
  • An international research environment by joining a multi-cultural team
  • Travel opportunities to scientific events and meetings
  • Freedom to independently conduct research and contribute with own ideas
  • Flexible working hours, with the possibility to work remotely at times

Contact:
For more information, please contact Dr. Julia Kar at +1 (251) 460-7456 or jkar@southalabama.edu. The University of South Alabama is an EO/AA employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable legally protected basis. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you via https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/studentaffairs/mission.html.