PhD Position - Ultrasound-Activated Ureteral Stent Development

About us

The Acoustic Robotics Systems Lab (ARSL) is engaged in developing innovative, cutting-edge research in micro- and nanorobotics, catheters, and implants and systems for life science applications, diagnostics, and translational medicine.

The ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research is the University of Bern's transdisciplinary Center of Excellence for medical technology research. Its mission is to tackle unmet clinical needs and envision future challenges in diagnosis, monitoring and treatment to create viable healthcare technology solutions with imagination, agility and purpose. Its projects run from discovery and basic research to clinical translation.

Project description

Ureteral obstructions can increase pressure in the kidney and may lead to kidney damage or failure if left untreated. These obstructions can arise from urinary stones, tumours, ureteral strictures, pregnancy-related compression, or other internal or external causes. To restore urine flow, ureteral stents are commonly inserted endoscopically into the ureter. However, current stents can cause significant pain and discomfort, are prone to encrustation and blockage, and often require repeated replacement.

This PhD project aims to develop an innovative ultrasound-activated ureteral stent. The work will combine hands-on experiments, ultrasound actuation, microfluidics, flow characterization, device prototyping, and theoretical analysis of the underlying fluid-mechanical processes, in close collaboration with clinical partners.

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated, creative, and collaborative candidate with a strong experimental background in mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, acoustics, or a closely related field.

The ideal candidate will have experience or strong interest in:

• hands-on experimental work
• ultrasound, acoustics, or medical devices
• microscopy, high-speed imaging, PIV, PTV, or particle tracking
• rapid prototyping, CAD, 3D printing, fixtures, or instrumentation
• data analysis and image processing using ImageJ, Python, or MATLAB
• interdisciplinary work across engineering and biomedical applications

Additional experience in the following areas would be beneficial but is not required:

• hydrophone measurements
• piezoelectric transducers or HIFU
• electronics

Requirements

• BSc and MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Acoustics, or a closely related field
• Excellent hands-on experimental skills
• Strong interest in ultrasound, fluid mechanics, and/or medical device development
• Rapid prototyping, CAD, 3D printing, fixtures, or instrumentation
• Strong motivation to collaborate in an interdisciplinary team of engineers, clinicians, and computational scientists

The position is fully funded for three years.
The preferred starting date is 15 May 2026, or by agreement.