PhD Position - Biomimetic in-vitro platform for evaluating urological devices for spinal cord injury patients
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The Urogenital Engineering (UGE) group of the ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research (University of Bern, Switzerland) focuses on developing engineering methods and medical devices to improve the diagnosis and treatment of urological disorders (e.g., overactive/ underactive bladder, urinary incontinence, kidney stones).

This PhD project aims to develop a biomimetic in-vitro platform of the human female urogenital system, specifically tailored to individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The platform will integrate anatomical, mechanical and dynamic properties to replicate the behavior of the urinary tract. It will enable the study of urine flow and device-tissue interactions under physiological and SCI conditions. Validation will be performed using medical imaging (e.g., Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI) and other clinical data. Once validated, the platform will serve as a screening tool to evaluate novel medical devices.

The project is conducted in close collaboration with the Swiss Paraplegic Center, Swiss Paraplegic Research (Nottwil) and Bern University Hospital (Departments of Urology; Diagnostic, Interventional and Pediatric Radiology). The work will combine experiments and theoretical analysis of the underlying fluid-mechanical processes in close interaction with clinical partners.

Your profile

• MSc in Biomedical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (or a closely related field)
• Experience in experimental and computational fluid mechanics
• Interest in medical imaging (e.g., MRI, Computed Tomography) and 3D printing
• Strong project management
• Ability to collaborate in an interdisciplinary team (clinicians, engineers, computational scientists)

More about the position
The position is fully funded for three years, starting date on March 1st, 2026 (or by agreement).
Application
Please submit your complete application (Curriculum Vitae and motivation letter) to Diana Bethge (email: info.artorg@ unibe.ch), specifying ’PhD Urogenital Engineering’ in the subject.
About the University of Bern
The University of Bern is in the heart of Switzerland. Internationally connected and regionally anchored, the University of Bern cultivates exchange with society and strengthens partnerships between science, medicine, business, and politics. The University of Bern is committed to a deliberate and ethical responsibility towards people, animate and inanimate nature. It strives as an important educator, promoting enterprise and industry in the region and beyond, and distinguishes itself through problem-oriented research into questions of pressing social relevance.
The University of Bern is an equal opportunity employer and strives to increase the number of women at all levels in its faculties.