PhD Position – Bioprosthetic Valve Thrombosis and Multi-level Thrombosis Risk Prediction (DC17) University of Bern in Switzerland

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. The successful candidate will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary team at the University of Bern, with a 4-month secondment at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.

The PhD project focuses on the development of improved aortic valve prostheses to reduce the risk of bioprosthetic valve thrombosis. Key research questions include minimizing shear-induced platelet activation, reducing endothelial wall damage from turbulent wall-shear stress, addressing flow stasis in sinus portions, and preventing clot adhesion at tissue surfaces. The work will combine high-fidelity fluid-structure interaction solvers with advanced blood damage and thrombosis models to predict and mitigate thrombosis risk.

ThromboRisk is a European Doctoral Network funded by the EU (Grant Agreement No. 101227706), involving ten leading universities across Europe. The consortium is dedicated to advancing understanding of thrombosis across biological scales, leveraging mechanobiology, biochemistry, pathophysiology, and computational modelling. Doctoral candidates will contribute unique research to the multi-level thrombosis risk prediction framework, supported by hands-on training, scientific and professional courses, and immersive development programs.

The University of Bern, located in Switzerland’s capital, is renowned for its commitment to ethical responsibility, interdisciplinary research, and societal impact. The ARTORG Center is a transdisciplinary hub for medical technology research, addressing unmet clinical needs and fostering innovation in diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. The Cardiovascular Engineering (CVE) research group, where the PhD student will be based, specializes in biomedical flow systems and cardiovascular devices, supported by state-of-the-art experimental and computational labs.

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. The position offers strong links to Bern University Hospital (Inselspital) and free German language courses. The University of Bern is an equal opportunity employer, promoting diversity, work-life balance, and safe working environments.

Applicants must hold an MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computational Science, or a related field, with a solid background in fluid mechanics and computational modelling. Excellent English proficiency (C1), strong communication skills, 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). All nationalities are welcome.

To apply, submit a motivation letter (including MSc thesis topic), CV (with two references), and a list of BSc/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].