Venous Pressure, Cardiac Preload and Gravity: An Integrated Study
Organisation/Company Université de Caen Normandie Research Field Medical sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 30 Jun 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
We are offering a 3-year PhD position within the INSERM U1075 COMETE laboratory (University of Caen, France), focused on cardiovascular physiology and space medicine.
Project Overview
In microgravity, fluid redistribution profoundly alters venous return, cardiac preload, and cerebral drainage. These changes are thought to play a key role in cardiovascular adaptation and in Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), a major concern for long-duration space missions. However, direct measurement of central venous pressure (CVP) remains challenging in both space and clinical settings. This PhD project aims to develop and validate a non-invasive ultrasound-based method to estimate venous pressure using controlled compression techniques. The project will explore both internal and external jugular veins as accessible and reliable markers of central venous pressure.
Research Objectives
- Experimental validation using in vitro vascular models
- Non-invasive measurements in human volunteers under simulated microgravity conditions
- Clinical validation in patients undergoing right-heart catheterization
The project combines physiology, biomedical engineering, ultrasound imaging, and space research.
Expected Outcomes
The project aims to deliver a reproducible and ultrasound system-independent method for venous pressure assessment for applications for both space missions and terrestrial clinical practice.
Environment
The PhD will be conducted at INSERM U1075 COMETE, a leading research unit in cardiovascular physiology and space medicine, with strong collaborations with CNES and clinical departments at Caen University Hospital.
Where to apply
Requirements
Research Field Medical sciences
Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Skills and Qualifications
Master’s degree (or equivalent) in physiology, biomedical sciences, medicine, biomedical engineering, or a related field
Strong interest in cardiovascular physiology and/or medical imaging
Skills in data analysis, processing, and statistics
Languages
Advanced English
Basic French (non-mandatory)
Specific Requirements
The candidate must be eligible for PhD registration in France
Willingness to participate in experimental protocols involving human subjects
Interest in translational research combining experimental, clinical, and technological approaches
Commitment to complete the PhD project within a 3-year timeframe
Experience
- Physiology and/or biomedical engineering : 3-5 years
- Statistics : 1-2 years
- Basic programming skills will be valuable
Additional Information
Fully funded 3-year PhD position (salary according to French doctoral funding standards)
Opportunity to work on an innovative project at the interface of cardiovascular physiology, biomedical engineering, and space medicine
Multidisciplinary research environment at INSERM U1075 COMETE and Caen University Hospital
Opportunities for scientific publications and conference presentations
Strong collaborations with the French national space agency (CNES)
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the requirements for PhD enrollment at the University of Caen Normandy
Applications will be reviewed based on academic excellence, relevance of the candidate’s background, and motivation for the project.
Selected candidates will be invited to an interview (online or on-site) with the PhD supervisors.
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Université de Caen Normandie - COMETE research centre Country France City Caen Postal Code 14032 Street 2 rue des Rochambelles Geofield
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