Doctoral Fellow in Surgical Innovation, Robotics, and Telesurgery (PhD) Ghent University in Belgium

Call for Applications: Doctoral Fellow in Surgical Innovation & Robotics at Ghent University, in collaboration with Orsi Academy in Belgium. This is a fully funded PhD (tax-free fellowship) focused on robot-assisted surgery, telesurgery, surgical training, simulation, AI, and computer vision for automated feedback and objective performance assessment.

The project sits in the Department of Human Structure and Repair and aims to improve surgical training and patient safety by developing objective metrics for robotic surgery, data-driven training systems, and evaluation frameworks. The role includes designing and conducting research studies, collecting and analysing clinical and simulation data, developing training models, contributing to AI-based surgical assessment tools, publishing research, presenting at conferences, and supporting training sessions at Orsi Academy.

Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold a medical degree (MD or equivalent), have a strong interest in general surgery, robotic surgery, simulation, and innovation, and demonstrate strong analytical and research skills. Excellent English (written and spoken) is required. Enrolment in a surgical residency programme is an advantage, as is experience with research methods, data analysis, and clinical or surgical environments.

Funding and duration: the position offers a fully funded PhD with a tax-free fellowship, an initial 1-year contract extendable up to 4 years, plus 36 days annual leave and benefits. The start date is from 1 September 2026.

Application deadline: 30 June 2026. To apply, email your application to [email protected] and include your CV, diploma, motivation letter, and master’s thesis (PDF).

Research keywords: surgical innovation, robotic surgery, telesurgery, surgical training, simulation platforms, AI-based feedback, computer vision, clinical research, patient safety, medical technology.