PhD Student Position in Microsurgical Robotics within the

The ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research at the University of Bern (Prof Dr.-Ing.
Stefan Weber and Dr. Kate Gerber) are seeking applications for a
PhD Student Position
in Microsurgical Robotics within the Image Guided
Therapy Group
A position leading to the title of PhD in Biomedical Engineering is currently available in the Image Guided
Therapy (IGT) group of the ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research at the University of
Bern, Switzerland. The microsurgical robotics research project within the IGT research group focusses
on high accuracy image guided procedures and in particular, the realisation of image guided robotic
minimally invasive cochlear implantation. Working within an interdisciplinary and international research
team, the PhD project would involve the design, development and experimental verification of a
multilevel safety concept based on real time sensor information and image guidance concepts for a
dedicated surgical robotic system. The project will require the development of robotic control and user
interface software, safety algorithms and effective user interaction.
Applicants should have an interest and experience in one or more of the following areas: surgical
robotics, human computer interaction, real time programming, robotic control, interface design, medical
applications, image processing, algorithms, data fusion, mathematics and signal processing. A strong
desire to actively collaborate with clinicians, scientists and engineers of the department for ENT surgery
and the ARTORG Center is expected.
Applicants must hold a European Master’s degree or equivalent length Bachelor degree (4-5 years) in
one of the following areas: Mechatronics engineering, biomedical engineering, software engineering,
computer science, electronics or computer systems engineering, physics, and mathematics or similar.
Excellent communication and English language skills are required. Skills in scientific publishing,
research and / or system or software development will be looked upon favourably.
The preferable commencement date of the position is the 1st of May 2015 although the starting date is
negotiable. The successful applicant will be funded for a 4 year PhD project. Working visas of
international candidates will be organised internally by the institute.
Salary: 47,000 CHF to 50,000 CHF per annum
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted electronically to Dr. Kate Gerber (kate.gavaghan@artorg.unibe.ch).
The application should include the following items: cover letter; curriculum vitae; copies of university
degrees; a list of attended courses with grades and dates; copies of publications (if applicable); a list of
references; and any other suitable documents.
University of Bern, ARTORG Center, Dr. Kate Gerber, Murtenstrasse 50, CH-3008 Bern
Tel. +41 (0) 31 632 3754 / kate.gavaghan@artorg.unibe.ch / www.artorg.unibe.ch