The ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research at the University of Bern is offering a fully funded PhD position within the prestigious ThromboRisk project, part of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network. This international research initiative aims to revolutionize personalized medicine by developing multi-level thrombosis risk prediction models, integrating insights from cell, thrombus, and organ-level perspectives using cutting-edge in silico, in vitro, and in vivo technologies.

The successful candidate will join the Cardiovascular Engineering (CVE) research group, which specializes in biomedical flow systems and cardiovascular devices. The group provides access to a state-of-the-art cardiovascular flow laboratory and computational facilities for numerical simulation of biomedical flows. The PhD project will focus on the application of a catheter-based drug delivery platform for thrombolysis in pulmonary embolism. Key research objectives include developing a model of pulmonary circulation, simulating the transport of thromboemboli and drugs, and investigating optimal drug infusion protocols for efficient thrombolytic delivery. The project will address fundamental questions about embolization mechanisms, drug penetration in microthrombi, and the fate of debris from lysed thrombi.

This position is part of a consortium of ten leading European universities, offering extensive training opportunities, including a 6-month industry placement with CorFlow Therapeutics AG (Switzerland) and two 3-month academic secondments at University College London and University of Leeds (UK). The program provides hands-on research experience, scientific and professional courses, and an immersive training environment to prepare candidates for future careers in biomedical engineering and medical technology.

The University of Bern is a renowned institution located in Switzerland, known for its commitment to ethical responsibility, interdisciplinary research, and strong connections with the medical, scientific, and business communities. The ARTORG Center is a transdisciplinary hub for medical technology research, dedicated to addressing unmet clinical needs and advancing healthcare solutions from basic research to clinical application.

Employment conditions include a four-year full-time contract, competitive salary and allowances (gross living allowance ca. CHF 6,144/month, mobility allowance ca. CHF 664/month, family allowance ca. CHF 617/month), and access to high-quality training programs. Free German language courses are available for those interested. The position is fully funded for the entire duration, with an intermediate evaluation after 18-24 months.

Applicants must hold an MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computational Science, or a related field, with a strong background in fluid mechanics and computational modelling. Excellent English proficiency (C1 level) and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team are required. Candidates must not already possess a doctoral degree and must comply with the MSCA mobility rule (not have resided in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the past 36 months).

To apply, submit a motivation letter (including MSc thesis topic), CV (with contact details of at least two references), and a list of BSc and MSc courses and grades by email to [email protected]. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Dominik Obrist at [email protected].