PhD in Surgical Robotics

Minimally invasive surgery has revolutionized medicine by enabling interventions without large incisions, thereby significantly improving clinical outcomes. Such surgical techniques include insertions of needles, catheters, and micro-robots. For effective medical diagnosis and treatment, the device must reach its intended target. In order to increase the targeting accuracy of the procedure and improve clinical outcomes, the goal of this research project is to develop methods for modeling and controlling a range soft/flexible surgical devices and medical microrobots, as they interact and navigate through the body. Techniques would be developed to track and control the path of the novel devices using images (MR and ultrasound imaging modalities). The present project will be conducted within the Surgical Robotics Laboratory and the Department of Biomechanical Engineering. In addition there are excellent opportunities for collaboration with the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University Medical Centre Groningen, and several institutions abroad.

• You have a master’s degree and background in mechanical, biomedical, or electrical engineering, applied physics or nanotechnology or in a closely related discipline.
• You have excellent skills and practical experience in one or more of the following research areas: system dynamics and control, robotics, mechatronics, mechanical design, image processing, or nano-/micro-fabrication technologies. Experience at the intersection of one or more of these areas is desirable.
• You have high-level analytical, organizational and managerial skills.
• You are eager to take on an ambitious project in an interdisciplinary environment.
• You speak fluent English.

• A full-time 4-year PhD position;
• We provide excellent mentorship and a stimulating international research environment with excellent facilities;
• A professional and personal development program within Graduate School Twente;
• A starting salary of € 2.541 in the first year and a salary of € 3.247 in the fourth year gross per month;
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• A solid pension scheme;
• A minimum of 29 holidays per year in case of fulltime employment.
• The UT provides a dynamic and international environment, combining the benefits of academic research with a topic of high industrial relevance, excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a green and lively campus.

The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people-first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor's and Master's students, 550 employees and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programmes are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.

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