PhD Position - Ultrasound-Activated Ureteral Stent Development / PhD Position - Ultrasound-Activated Ureteral Stent Development

Join the Prestigious UniBE Team

At UniBE, you have the opportunity to benefit from the esteemed reputation of a long-standing institution recognized worldwide.

Start Date

Position available from May 15, 2026, or by arrangement.

Employment Relationship

This is a fixed-term position.

Institution / Workplace

ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research

About Us

The Acoustic Robotics Systems Lab (ARSL) specializes in pioneering research in micro- and nanorobotics, catheters, and systems for life science applications, diagnostics, and translational medicine. The ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research serves as the University of Bern's transdisciplinary Center of Excellence for medical technology research, dedicated to addressing unmet clinical needs and envisioning future challenges in diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment.

Project Description

Ureteral obstructions pose serious risks to kidney health, potentially leading to damage or failure if left untreated. These obstructions can result from various factors such as urinary stones, tumors, and strictures. To alleviate these conditions, ureteral stents are typically inserted endoscopically. Unfortunately, existing stents can lead to significant discomfort, encrustation, and frequent replacements.

This PhD project aims to develop an innovative ultrasound-activated ureteral stent, involving hands-on experiments, ultrasound actuation, microfluidics, and flow characterization. The research will be conducted in close collaboration with clinical partners to ensure relevance and applicability.

Your Profile

We are seeking a highly motivated and creative candidate with a solid experimental background in mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, acoustics, or a closely related field. The ideal candidate will possess experience or a strong interest in the following areas:

• 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:

• 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
• Experience with rapid prototyping, CAD, 3D printing, fixtures, or instrumentation
• Motivation to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team of engineers, clinicians, and computational scientists

Your Benefits

• Access to robust research infrastructure and an extensive international network
• Internationally recognized institution
• Individual career support and development opportunities
• A collaborative environment with an ambitious team

Working at the University of Bern

The University of Bern offers not just exciting tasks but also an environment that fosters development, diversity, and equal opportunities. Explore what distinguishes us as an employer and discover how you can thrive with us.

Application Process

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Contact Information

For any questions regarding the position, please reach out to Prof. Dr. Daniel Ahmed at daniel.ahmed@unibe.ch.