Medical Image Analysis and Surgical Planning based on Artificial Intelligence

The Personalised Medicine research group of the sitem Center for Translational Medicine and Biomedical Entrepreneurship at the University of Bern is offering a PhD position in the research and development of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for anatomy modelling and anatomical analysis.

Medical Image Analysis and Surgical Planning based on Artificial Intelligence

The PhD candidate will work within our multinational team and in close collaboration with our industrial, research and clinical partners, towards a cutting-edge software system for the diagnosis, surgical planning and outcome prediction of shoulder pathologies. They will build on deep learning-based algorithms to investigate clinically applicable segmentation solutions for the purpose of tissue composition and morphological analyses, patient specific biomechanical surgical outcome simulations and radiomics-based analysis of treatment outcome success. The student will work within a highly motivated team of experts at the sitem Center and interface with imaging physicists, surgeons and neurologists from the University Hospital of Bern, biomechanical engineers from ETH Zurich and industrial partners.

As a PhD candidate, you will conduct applied research in the field of image based surgical planning. The candidate will investigate methods based on AI for the delineation of anatomical structures from MRI and CT images, investigate AI methodologies for image domain adaption as well as investigate radiomics approaches to surgical outcome prediction. The PhD candidate will also be responsible for developing clinically applicable solutions from research outcomes to enable clinical validation of the solutions. Specific tasks of the PhD candidate will include:
• Investigate and develop automatic anatomy segmentation algorithms for musculoskeletal structures from MRI and CT image data
• Investigate and develop automated methods for calculating diagnostic parameters from MRI and CT image data
• Investigate and develop methods for surgical outcome prediction based on radiomics
• Develop a fully integrated clinical applicable software system for diagnosis, surgical planning and outcome prediction
• Work with biomechanical engineers to develop and integrate surgical planning optimisation methods
• Clinically validate developed algorithms and systems

We are looking for a dynamic, ambitious and self-motivated candidate with a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science or similar. Candidates with a strong background in software development and image processing are particularly encouraged to apply. The candidate must be fluent in written and spoken English.
The following attributes will be highly valued:
• Knowledge in AI technology (TensorFlow, PyTorch, etc.)
• Programming experience in Python and C++
• Experience working with clinical partners or in multidisciplinary teams
• An understanding of basic biomedical principles
• Problem solving, reasoning, organisation, planning and analytical skills

Please send an application letter and CV addressed to Dr. Kate Gerber (kate.gerber@sitem.unibe.ch). Applications may be considered until the position is filled.
The University of Bern is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.