Research Assistant - Medical Robotics Simulation Environment (50%)
Neuro Robotics Group at the ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research
The ARTORG Center creates innovative healthcare technology by bringing together the biomedical engineering and medicine departments of the University of Bern. The Neuro Robotics Group focuses on the development of surgical instruments for neurosurgery based on robotics and micromechantronics.
We are looking for a highly motivated Research Assistant - Medical Robotics Simulation Environment (50%) to join our team.
Project background:
This project addresses technology translation challenges by developing a digital, interactive platform for early-stage prototyping of telemanipulated robotic systems. It enables researchers and clinicians to jointly explore and evaluate robot concepts using a virtual environment before physical components are manufactured. This approach reduces development costs, supports rapid iteration, and facilitates effective interdisciplinary exchange.
- Design, implement, and maintain a ROS2-based simulation environment for robotic designs in a medical context
- Integrate and evaluate various software packages and frameworks relevant to (medical) robotics
- Collaborate with researchers and engineers to model and simulate clinical use cases
- Support data collection, visualization, and analysis from simulation runs
- Document code, workflows, and results to ensure reproducibility and scalability of the research
- You are pursuing a master's degree in robotics, computer science, or a closely related discipline
- Strong programming skills in Python and C++, preferably with experience in ROS2 (Robot Operating System 2)
- Experience with software integration, version control (Git), and Linux-based systems
- Prior experience with simulation environments (e.g., Gazebo, Ignition, SOFA, CoppeliaSim) would be highly advantageous
- Basic understanding of robotic kinematics, control, and sensor integration
- Interest in medical robotics applications or human–robot interaction is a plus
- Good communication skills and the ability to work independently as well as in a multidisciplinary team
- A dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment at the intersection of robotics, medicine, and simulation technology
- Opportunities to work with cutting-edge robotic systems and state-of-the-art simulation frameworks
- Opportunity to align the position with a master thesis or semester project
ARTORG Center for Biomedical Research, University of Bern
Department of Neurosurgery, Inselspital Bern
Start date: February 2026.
Workplace: ARTORG Center (Murtenstrasse 50) on the InselSpital Campus.
