Postdoc Position in Medical Robotics and Image-Guided Tumour Targeting

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Start Date Date (01.09.2026) or by arrangement
Employment Relationship 100%, fixed-term
Institution / Workplace ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research Bern
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About us

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.

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.

Project description

We are developing a robot-assisted, image-guided ultrasound platform for the minimally invasive and localized treatment of bladder tumours. The project combines medical robotics, real-time imaging, therapeutic ultrasound, and closed-loop control to achieve precise and reproducible targeting. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with the University Clinic for Urology at Bern University Hospital. This collaboration provides direct access to clinical expertise, clinically relevant workflows, human tissue specimens, and preclinical validation facilities. The postdoctoral researcher will lead the development and integration of the robotic treatment platform. The work will include robotic positioning of ultrasound transducers, multimodal image guidance, system calibration, image-to-robot registration, treatment planning, trajectory generation, and closed-loop control. The platform will initially be validated using tissue-mimicking phantoms and ex vivo tissue, followed by evaluation in clinically relevant preclinical models. The researcher will work closely with engineers, ultrasound researchers, biomedical scientists, and clinical urologists.

Position

We are looking for a highly motivated, creative, and collaborative researcher with a strong background in robotics, control, automation, mechatronics, or a closely related field.
The candidate will have experience in several of the following areas:
  • robotic-arm programming and experimental system integration;
  • robot kinematics, calibration, and coordinate transformations;
  • image-guided control, visual servoing, or autonomous robotic scanning;
  • trajectory generation, motion planning, and closed-loop control;
  • ROS or ROS 2;
  • programming in Python, C++, or MATLAB/Simulink;
  • computer vision, image registration, segmentation, or target tracking;
  • integration of cameras, imaging systems, sensors, and actuators;
  • rapid prototyping, CAD, 3D printing, fixtures, and instrumentation;
  • experimental validation of robotic or medical systems.

Experience in the following areas would be beneficial but is not required:
  • medical robotics or image-guided interventions;
  • robot-assisted ultrasound imaging;
  • therapeutic ultrasound or HIFU;
  • endoscopic imaging;
  • medical-device development;
  • experiments involving biological tissue or animal models;
  • machine learning for image segmentation or robotic control.
Prior expertise in ultrasound is advantageous but not essential. Training and support in ultrasound physics, acoustic calibration, and therapeutic-ultrasound operation will be provided by the ARSL team.

Requirements
  • PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechatronics, Control Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field;
  • strong hands-on experience in developing and operating robotic experimental systems;
  • excellent programming and analytical skills;
  • ability to independently develop and troubleshoot integrated hardware–software platforms;
  • strong interest in medical robotics and translational technology development;
  • excellent written and spoken English;
  • motivation to work within an interdisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and clinicians.

The preferred starting date is asap, or by agreement. The position will be based at the ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, with close collaboration with the University Clinic for Urology at Inselspital, Bern University Hospital.
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Your Benefits

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Strong research infrastructure and international network
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International reputation
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Collaborative environment and ambitious team
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Individual career support
Other benefits

Your Benefits

  • Strong research infrastructure and international network
  • International reputation
  • Collaborative environment and ambitious team
  • Individual career support

Working at the University of Bern

The University of Bern not only offers exciting tasks but also an environment that actively promotes development, diversity, and equal opportunities. Discover what makes us stand out as an employer and how you can grow with us.
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Application and Contact

Please submit your complete application, including a curriculum vitae, a motivation letter, a list of publications, and the contact information for two or three referees via e-mail, with "Postdoc in ARSL" in the subject line, to:

Diana Bethge: info.artorg@unibe.ch
Prof. Dr. Daniel Ahmed: daniel.ahmed@unibe.ch

Application deadline: August 15 2026

Questions about the position?

For further information, please contact daniel.ahmed@unibe.ch
https://www.artorg.unibe.ch/research/arsl/index_eng.html

Questions about the application?

Please see 'Application and Contact'

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