The ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research at the University of Bern is offering two fully funded PhD positions within the ThromboRisk project, a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network funded by the EU. The positions, starting February 1, 2026, are hosted by the University of Bern and last for 48 months. The research will be conducted in the Cardiovascular Engineering (CVE) group, which specializes in biomedical flow systems and cardiovascular devices, utilizing both experimental and computational labs. The first PhD project focuses on 'Thrombolysis in Pulmonary Embolism,' aiming to develop multi-level thrombosis risk prediction models by integrating cell-, thrombus-, and organ-level insights. The project involves creating a model of pulmonary circulation, including drug and thromboemboli transport, to optimize drug delivery protocols and understand embolization mechanisms. The position includes a 6-month training at CorFlow Therapeutics AG (Switzerland) and two 3-month secondments at University College London and University of Leeds (UK). The second PhD project, 'Bioprosthetic Valve Thrombosis,' aims to develop improved aortic valve prostheses to reduce thrombosis risk. The research will combine high-fidelity fluid-structure interaction solvers with blood damage and thrombosis models to address shear-induced platelet activation, endothelial wall damage, flow stasis, and clot adhesion. This position includes a 4-month secondment at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Germany). Both projects are part of the ThromboRisk consortium, which brings together 10 leading European universities to advance multi-level thrombosis risk prediction using mechanobiology, biochemistry, pathophysiology, and computational modelling. The program offers hands-on research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and high-quality training, preparing students for careers in academia and industry. Applicants must have an MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computational Science, or a related field, with strong fluid mechanics background and interest in computational modelling. Proficiency in English (C1) and compliance with the MSCA mobility rule are required. The positions are fully funded, offering a competitive salary, mobility and family allowances, and free German courses. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until filled. For more information, contact Prof. Dr. Dominik Obrist ([email protected]).

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].

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].