Department of Neonatology, Research, Schlieren
PhD position in Medical Imaging and Image Reconstruction for Near-Infrared Optical Tomography of the Head of Newborns 100 %
Start of employment June 2026 or by agreementThe Biomedical Optics Research Laboratory (BORL) is part of the Department of Neonatology at the University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich. It is one of the leading laboratories in the field of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and near-infrared optical tomography (NIROT). We were among the first groups to adopt NIRS in the field of neonatology. BORL develops technology, algorithms, software to drive the instrumentation and data analysis methods. BORL also applies these medical devices in preclinical and clinical studies. The motivation is to develop these methods and instrumentation for the benefit of the patients, in particular to prevent lifelong disabilities in preterm infants.
Your responsibilities
As a PhD Student at BORL, you will join the team that will build an imager based on near-infrared optical tomography (NIROT) capable of non-invasively imaging brain oxygenation in preterm and term neonates. These highly sensitive patients often have problems adjusting their oxygenation adequately, which may lead to brain lesions and long-term disability. The hope is that an instrument to image brain oxygenation will enable treatment to prevent these serious complications. In addition, this instrument will also be applicable to many other tissues and patients.
Your work will focus on developing advanced image reconstruction algorithms for the NIROT system to enable precise, quantitative imaging of brain oxygenation in a clinical intensive care setting. This includes implementing forward models (e.g., diffusion equation), inverse solvers (e.g., different optimization algorithms, machine learning approaches), validation on phantoms and clinical data from human volunteers and patients, and integration with data from collaboration projects.
Detailed documentation and manuals need to be prepared in English.
This project is based on a grant from SNF, and it is a collaboration with the EPFL.
Your work will focus on developing advanced image reconstruction algorithms for the NIROT system to enable precise, quantitative imaging of brain oxygenation in a clinical intensive care setting. This includes implementing forward models (e.g., diffusion equation), inverse solvers (e.g., different optimization algorithms, machine learning approaches), validation on phantoms and clinical data from human volunteers and patients, and integration with data from collaboration projects.
Detailed documentation and manuals need to be prepared in English.
This project is based on a grant from SNF, and it is a collaboration with the EPFL.
Your profile
We are looking for a PhD candidate with a master's degree in applied mathematics, physics, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, computational science, or a related field, with a strong interest in inverse problems solving and image reconstruction for diffuse optical tomography. Key skills include proficiency in numerical methods (finite element/discrete ordinate methods, iterative solvers, regularization techniques), and implementation in Python/MATLAB (including machine learning frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow for data-driven reconstruction). Experiences with time-resolved optical data, mathematical modelling of light propagation (diffusion equation, Monte Carlo simulations), and validation on phantoms/clinical datasets are advantageous.
Language requirements: fluent English (German is very welcome).
Special requirements: We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic person.
Language requirements: fluent English (German is very welcome).
Special requirements: We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic person.
Information on your application
We offer a challenging project, which encompasses a broad range of expertise: Hardware development, programming, and clinical application. The project is particularly attractive because it includes the whole process from development to biomedical application. The lab in Zurich offers state-of-the-art facilities, interdisciplinary teams, and a vibrant environment for basic research and medical application. The collaboration with experts from the EPFL (engineering, chip design) will provide an exciting interdisciplinary environment.The employment will start in June 2026 or by agreement.
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Further information
Questions about the job
Prof. Dr. Martin Wolf Head of Biomedical Optics Research Laboratory (BORL)
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Questions about the application procedure
Dr. Alexander Kalyanov
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Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/en/explore/work.html
Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/en/explore/work.html
Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.
Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
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