Phd Student in Robotic Ai Imaging and Surgical Guidance

**Research in Orthopedic Computer Science, University Of Zurich**
**PhD Student in Robotic AI Imaging and Surgical Guidance**:Start of employment 01.01.2026
- The Research in Orthopedic Computer Science (ROCS) group at the University of Zurich develops advanced solutions for surgical guidance and robotics. Our work combines medical imaging, computer vision, and machine learning with strong clinical translation, in close collaboration with Balgrist University Hospital and the national research platform OR-X.

We are offering a PhD position in Robotic Imaging and Surgical Guidance. The project aims to transform mobile fluoroscopy into an intelligent robotic platform for intraoperative navigation. Building on our AI-driven reconstruction pipelines, the research will advance three core areas: robotic imaging (end-effector design, calibration, motion planning), 3D reconstruction (multi-view geometry, pose estimation, AI-based reconstruction), and surgical guidance (real-time, context-aware feedback and visualization).

**Your Profile**:

- You hold an excellent MSc degree in robotics, electrical engineering, or computer science, with a strong background in robotic control, computer vision, and image processing - ideally in the context of computer-assisted surgery. You bring excellent programming skills, hands-on experience with hardware (e.g., KUKA-like robotic arms, cameras, tracking systems, imaging devices), and proficiency with software frameworks (ROS/ROS2, OpenCV, ITK/VTK, AI/ML libraries).- Solid understanding of robot kinematics, motion planning, and control, including forward/inverse kinematics and collision avoidance
- Practical experience with multi-view geometry, 3D reconstruction, pose estimation, and camera calibration, and proficiency in relevant libraries (e.g., OpenCV, Open3D)
- Familiarity with AI/ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) and medical image analysis libraries (ITK, VTK, Slicer3D, MONAI)
- Experience with hardware-software integration, including encoders, sensors, and safety aspects of robotic workflows
- Excellent communication skills in English (German is an asset), combined with initiative, problem-solving ability, and teamwork**Your Profile**:

- You hold an excellent MSc degree in robotics, electrical engineering, or computer science, with a strong background in robotic control, computer vision, and image processing - ideally in the context of computer-assisted surgery. You bring excellent programming skills, hands-on experience with hardware (e.g., KUKA-like robotic arms, cameras, tracking systems, imaging devices), and proficiency with software frameworks (ROS/ROS2, OpenCV, ITK/VTK, AI/ML libraries).- Solid understanding of robot kinematics, motion planning, and control, including forward/inverse kinematics and collision avoidance
- Practical experience with multi-view geometry, 3D reconstruction, pose estimation, and camera calibration, and proficiency in relevant libraries (e.g., OpenCV, Open3D)
- Familiarity with AI/ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) and medical image analysis libraries (ITK, VTK, Slicer3D, MONAI)
- Experience with hardware-software integration, including encoders, sensors, and safety aspects of robotic workflows
- Excellent communication skills in English (German is an asset), combined with initiative, problem-solving ability, and teamworkWe also offer:

- A competitive PhD salary in accordance with SNF guidelines
- A flexible working environment with hybrid (on-site + remote) options
- Opportunities to participate in international conferences and workshops
- Teaching experience and supervision of MSc student research projectsThe anticipated start date of the PhD project is late 2025 or beginning of 2026, with flexibility by mutual agreement. To apply, please submit your motivation letter (1 page) and academic CV as a single PDF file.

**What we offer**:

- **Work-Life Balance**Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
- Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH
- **Learning and Development**Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
- Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich
- **Food**Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
- Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution
- **Healthcare**Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
- Free seasonal flu vaccinations
- Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower
- **Discounts**Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
- Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
- Special conditions on hotel reservations
- **Conditions of Employment**Policies of the UZH
- Most UZH staff are employed according to public law
- **International Services**Support for people from outside Switzerland
- **Campuses**Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
- Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg
**Location**:

- **Rese