PhD Position - Machine Learning in Ocular Biomechanics

The ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research is a multidisciplinary research center at the University of Bern developing medical technology solutions from basic research to clinical applications.

Every year, millions of people undergo refractive surgery to correct their vision, yet outcomes remain unpredictable for patients with complex corneal conditions. Join us in developing AI-powered tools that could revolutionize how we plan and predict surgical outcomes for patients with severe visual impairment.

About the project The Computational Bioengineering Group invites applications for a 3-4 year PhD position in machine learning and ocular biomechanics. You will develop patient-specific biomechanical models of the cornea integrated with machine learning to understand how corneal biomechanics influence visual outcomes and support prediction, treatment, and planning of refractive interventions for patients with severe visual impairment.

This SNSF-funded project is conducted jointly with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), the University of Basel (unibas), and Bern University Hospital (Inselspital). The candidate will work closely with engineers, clinicians, and data scientists in a strong translational research environment. Research environment The develops experimental and computational methods in biomechanics to address clinically relevant problems. The group combines finite element modeling, medical image analysis, experimental tissue characterization, and data-driven methods to develop new diagnostic approaches, support surgical planning, and contribute to the design of medical technologies. Tasks and responsibilities

• Develop medical image analysis tools for patient-specific finite element modeling
• Quantify biomechanical impact of surgical treatments on visual outcomes
• Design machine learning methods to accelerate simulations and predict outcomes
• Identify optimal treatment strategies from preoperative data

Required qualifications

What we offer

Application procedure

Interested candidates should submit the following documents electronically to Prof. Philippe Büchler, philippe.buechler@unibe.ch

Application deadline : February 15, 2026 | Starting date : May / June 2026