Mirza Awais Ahmad
Top university
5 days ago
Development of Advanced Techniques for Emergency Robotic Catheterization KU Leuven in Belgium
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Oct 30, 2026
Country
Belgium
University
KU Leuven
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About this position
PhD opportunity at KU Leuven in robotic catheterization for emergency intervention.
The Robot Assisted Surgery (RAS) group in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at KU Leuven is recruiting a PhD candidate to work on Development of Advanced Techniques for Emergency Robotic Catheterization. The project sits at the intersection of surgical robotics, medical devices, haptics, control, sensing, and clinical translation, with close links to micro-precision manufacturing, mechanical design, smart instrumentation, and biomedical research.
The research focus is on developing advanced robotic catheterization technologies for time-critical and highly complex procedures such as mechanical thrombectomy in acute stroke. Current catheter-based interventions often require fluoroscopic X-ray guidance, which exposes clinicians to radiation and can create ergonomic strain from lead aprons. This project aims to reduce operator burden and improve safety by enabling clinicians to operate from a distance, using a new generation of robotic systems designed for fast, safe, and reliable navigation of multiple instruments through challenging vascular anatomy.
The successful candidate will contribute to novel sensing, control, and instrument coordination strategies for emergency robotic catheterization. The work is highly interdisciplinary and benefits from KU Leuven's strong research infrastructure and the RAS group's collaborations with UZ Leuven, Belgium's largest university hospital. The environment is international, collaborative, and oriented toward valorization and clinical validation.
Eligibility highlights: applicants should be fluent in English and hold a Master’s degree in engineering or computer science with excellent results, preferably in mechatronics, robotics, control engineering, mechanical engineering, deep learning, medical imaging, or a related field. Candidates should be motivated, independent, critical thinkers, and strong team players with practical problem-solving skills.
Funding: this is a fully funded PhD position, typically lasting 4 years, with teaching assistant duties capped at 10% of working hours. The PhD salary in Belgium is noted to be similar to or higher than that of a starting engineer in industry.
Application deadline: 2026-10-30 23:59 (Europe/Brussels).
Contact: Dr. Mirza Awais Ahmad ([email protected]) and Prof. dr. ir. Emmanuel Vander Poorten ([email protected]).
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants must be fluent in English and hold a Master’s degree in engineering or computer science, obtained with distinction (cum laude) or equivalent excellent academic results, in a relevant field such as mechatronics, robotics, control engineering, mechanical engineering, deep learning, medical imaging, or a related discipline. The degree and academic record must meet the admission requirements for the KU Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School. Candidates should be ambitious, driven, effective team players, highly motivated, capable of working independently, able to think critically, and have demonstrated strong practical problem-solving skills.
How to apply
Apply through the KU Leuven job site using the provided application link. Prepare your application before the deadline and ensure your qualifications meet the Arenberg Doctoral School requirements. For questions about the project, contact Mirza Awais Ahmad or Emmanuel Vander Poorten by email.
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