R&D Intern – Bioprinting Systems & Acoustic Manipulation

About us

The University of Bern is located at the heart of Switzerland. Internationally connected and regionally anchored, it cultivates exchange with society and strengthens partnerships between science, medicine, business, and politics. The University of Bern is committed to a deliberate and ethical responsibility towards people, animate and inanimate nature. As an important educator, promoting enterprise and industry in the region and beyond, it distinguishes itself through problem-oriented research into questions of pressing social relevance.

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

The lab is currently developing a digital light processing (DLP)-based bioprinting system combined with acoustic manipulation, where ultrasound fields are used to control and organize cells during the printing process, enabling improved structural and functional properties of engineered tissues. ARSL is looking for a highly motivated, creative, and collaborative intern with a strong experimental background in electrical and mechanical engineering, or a closely related field.
Tasks

• Design and fabrication of mechanical components for experimental setups using CAD tools
• Development, optimization, and operation of 3D printing systems (e.g., DLP, SLA, FDM)
• Assembly and testing of mechanical and mechatronic systems for bioprinting platforms
• Support in prototyping, system integration, and experimental validation
• Documentation of designs, workflows, and experimental results

Requirements

• Background in Mechanical engineering, Electrical engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field
• Experience with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360)
• Hands-on experience with 3D printing (highly desirable)
• Practical skills in prototyping and working with laboratory hardware (highly desirable)
• Strong communication skills

We offer

• Creative and international environment to conduct competitive research in an interdisciplinary team
• Strong links to the Bern University Hospital (Inselspital) to provide a coherent and holistic view of how engineering solutions can benefit patients
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects in bioprinting, acoustics, and microrobotics
• Expected start date: flexible (as soon as possible)
• Free German courses available for those wishing to learn

The University of Bern is an equal opportunity employer, promotes healthy work-life-balance and safe working environments, and strives to increase the number of women at all levels in its faculties.