Universitätsklinik Balgrist

PhD Student in Mixed Reality and Digital Twins 100 %

Start of employment 01.05.2025, temporary

The Research in Orthopedic Computer Science (ROCS) at the University of Zurich is offering a fully funded PhD study position. This PhD project explores the creation and application of digital twins to enhance learning experiences by integrating real-world data and processes into virtual environments. It aims to efficiently generate digital twins from multi-modal data, seamlessly blend them into real environments for immersive training scenarios, and leverage them to improve individual and team-based training and education.
The PhD project will be conducted within IMMERSE, an initiative focused on "Immersive Education and Science Exploration". IMMERSE is dedicated to driving the digital transformation of education and training through innovative immersive teaching and learning technologies.

Your responsibilities

The student's primary responsibility during the four-year doctoral study is conducting research that focuses on developing innovative methods in the fields of XR and AI. This involves designing experiments, analyzing data, identifying limitations in the current state-of-the-art, and addressing them with creative solutions. The student publishes his/her findings in leading conferences and journals within the field.

As a foundation for the research, the doctoral candidate will independently familiarize with the state-of-the-art during the first six months and collaborate with their supervisor to develop a multi-year research plan. The PhD program is conducted within a graduate school of the University of Zurich, which also requires the student to serve as a teaching assistant for 1–2 courses per year.

Our offer:
  • Varied, interesting and challenging work embedded within a highly interdisciplinary research team
  • Associated with our research group is OR-X, a highly innovative national research infrastructure shaping the future of surgery: https://or-x.ch/
  • Flexible and friendly working environment
  • Collaborative work with research teams and companies of IMMERSE's domestic and international partners
  • Opportunity to participate in international conferences
  • Teaching opportunities and supervision of research projects / MSc theses
  • Salary in accordance with SNF guidelines
  • Place of Work: Balgrist CAMPUS (https://www.balgristcampus.ch), Lengghalde 5, 8008 Zurich

Your profile

You graduated with excellent results with a MSc in computer science or robotics. Your academic journey demonstrates a focus on computer vision, computer graphics, human-computer interaction, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence. Through your previous experience, you have developed strong programming skills and gained hands-on expertise with XR technologies, cameras, and 3D engines, such as Unreal or Unity.

Information on your application

The application closes in February 2025, with the latest employment start date set for May 1, 2025 (earlier start dates can be arranged by agreement).

To apply, please send a letter of motivation including information on previous scientific work and publications if available (maximum of 2 pages), a CV, and contact details of two referees. Please ensure that all those parts are combined into a single PDF-file. Together with an electronic copy of the Masters thesis, please send your application via the form.

What we offer

Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. More

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


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Learning and Development
  • Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
  • Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

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Food
  • Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
  • Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

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Healthcare
  • Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
  • Free seasonal flu vaccinations
  • Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

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Discounts
  • Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
  • Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
  • Special conditions on hotel reservations

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Conditions of Employment
  • Policies of the UZH
  • Most UZH staff are employed according to public law


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International Services
  • Support for people from outside Switzerland

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Campuses
  • Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
  • Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

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Further information

Questions about the job

Christina Beier Administrative Assistant ROCS +41445107366
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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/cmsssl/en/explore/work.html

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
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