Research Assistant in Biomedical Engineering

University of Bern

Switzerland

About the ARTORG Center

The ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research develops innovative healthcare technologies by bringing together biomedical engineering and medicine at the University of Bern. The Neuro Robotics Group focuses on the development of advanced surgical instruments for neurosurgery, drawing on expertise in robotics and micromechatronics.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant (50%) to support the development of a medical robotics simulation environment. The position is embedded in a multidisciplinary research team working at the interface of robotics, medicine, and simulation technology.

Project Background

This project addresses key challenges in technology translation by developing a digital, interactive platform for early-stage prototyping of telemanipulated robotic systems. The platform enables researchers and clinicians to collaboratively explore and evaluate robotic concepts in a virtual environment before physical components are manufactured. This approach reduces development costs, accelerates iteration, and enhances interdisciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities

The Research Assistant will:

Design, implement, and maintain a ROS2-based simulation environment for medical robotic systems
Integrate and evaluate relevant software packages and frameworks for (medical) robotics
Collaborate with researchers and engineers to model and simulate clinical use cases
Support data collection, visualization, and analysis from simulation runs
Document code, workflows, and results to ensure reproducibility and scalability

Requirements

Enrollment in a Master’s degree program in robotics, computer science, or a closely related field
Strong programming skills in Python and C++, ideally with experience in ROS2 (Robot Operating System 2)
Experience with software integration, Git-based version control, and Linux systems
Prior experience with simulation environments (e.g., Gazebo, Ignition, SOFA, CoppeliaSim) is highly advantageous
Basic understanding of robotic kinematics, control, and sensor integration
Interest in medical robotics or human–robot interaction is a plus
Strong communication skills and the ability to work both independently and in multidisciplinary teams

What We Offer

A dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment at the intersection of robotics, medicine, and simulation
Exposure to cutting-edge robotic systems and state-of-the-art simulation frameworks
Opportunity to align the position with a Master’s thesis or semester project