Sano PhD Student

Haptically-enhanced VR/AR for Improved Information Capture and Exchange in Medical/Social Environments

Give us a chance to meet you
  • About us:

Sano Centre for Computational Medicine is a new International Scientific Foundation located in Kraków, Poland.

Sano aspires to be a major translational scientific institute, operating at the meeting point of academic science, established MedTech industry, and emerging start-up environment, combining the best of these three perspectives.

Sano acts as a core technology and expertise provider for industry, and creator of innovation, developing state-of-the-art solutions for healthcare. Thanks to the substantial funding and excellent European partnership network, Sano will bring a critical mass to this transformational field of research, in order to translate scientific advancements onto clinical practice. Sano’s ambition is to become the Reference Centre for Computational Medicine in Central Europe and build a reputation as a leading institute on a global level.

As a cross-disciplinary institution, Sano uses machine learning/artificial intelligence (ML/AI), large scale computer simulations (HPC), data science, and other computational technologies towards overcoming global challenges in healthcare systems. The research agenda will be executed in close collaboration with Partners in Poland, EU and USA.

We value:

  • Passion – Passion in what we do, engagement in Sano operations, taking responsibility, providing initiative, being happy at work.
  • Innovation – Boldness in articulating and pursuing novel ideas, courage to think outside the box.
  • Integrity – Directness, openness, tolerance and respect. Scientific integrity (we do not cut corners).
  • Diversity – Diversity in backgrounds, cultures and opinions of Sano employees. Promotion of women in STEM.
  • About job:
  • Project title: Haptically-enhanced VR/AR for Improved Information Capture and Exchange in Medical/Social Environments
  • Closing date: 11.08.2022
  • Level of education: Master's degree
  • Hours: 40 hours per week
  • Salary indication: up to 8000 PLN gross monthly
  • Project start: September 2022 (but depends on Candidate’s availability)

Supervisors:

  • Sano: Dr. Przemysław Korzeniowski

  • Sano: Dr. Arkadiusz Sitek

  • University of Sheffield: Dr. John Fenner

Degree awarding institution: University of Sheffield

This project will investigate the application of state-of-the virtual and augmented reality technologies (VR/AR) in hospital and/or operating room settings. In particular, the project will augment VR/AR with cost-effective accessible haptic technology (sense of touch), which has the capacity to modify everyday clinical practice.

The research aim is to develop a prototype system, which seamlessly integrates with the real clinical environment. As a proof-of-concept, we propose to start with augmenting an angiography suite (CathLab). You will enhance daily-clinical practice of radiographers and interventional cardiologists with haptically-enabled VR/AR surgical planning and/or training tools. 

The effectiveness of this strategy will be evaluated through relevant metrics and questionnaires to judge impact. A successful outcome will promote refinement and urge further acceptance (i.e. translation) within broader medical and technical environments.

We are looking for candidates with an enthusiasm for research, multidisciplinary collaboration and tackling challenging problems through teamwork. We are targeting candidates with an MSc in Computer Science, GameDev or similar,  but we would also consider exceptional STEM students providing that they have appropriate Computer Science skills. Ideal skills would include: programming (C#, C, C++ and/or visual scripting), 3D engines (Unity3D and/or Unreal Engine) and knowledge of git. Nice to have would be 3D modelling skills and/or CAD (Fusion, Solidworks, Blender, Maya and/or 3dsmax) and 3D printing.

You do not need to have a strong background in VR/AR or haptics, but willingness to learn basic concepts and definitions is a requirement.

  • What are you going to do?

You are expected to:

  • do original research in this field under the direction of the supervisor;
  • participate in the many seminars by internal and external speakers as well as journal clubs and group activities;
  • collaborate with other PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and other Sano employees;
  • learn and enjoy your time in Sano.
  • What do we require ?

Required background and skills of the candidate:

  • Master’s degree (completed or near completion) or 1st Class undergraduate Honours degree in a relevant discipline such as computer science, biomedical engineering, computer engineering, robotics, physics or similar;
  • programming skills (C#, C/C++, Python);
  • experience with 3D engines (Unity3D, Unreal Engine, Nvidia Omniverse or similar),
  • desirable but not required is experience with 3D modelling software (Blender, Maya, 3DS max or similar) and/or CAD (Fusion, Solidworks) and/or 3D printing
  • prior academic, game-dev, or industry research experience is a plus
  • interest in pursuing applied research;
  • excellent written and oral English communication skills to meet the entry requirements for PhD study at of the University of Sheffield (IELTS certificate or equivalent).
  • Our Offer

We offer a fixed term contract for 40 hours per week for the duration of 4 years. This will be supported by an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. The contract will include opportunities to participate in teaching and supervision of undergraduate and master students.

The salary, depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract, will be up to 8000 PLN gross per month, based on a full-time contract (40 hours a week) for the duration of 4 years with private medical care and a sports card.

This PhD will be a collaboration between Sano and the University of Sheffield. The University of Sheffield will be the degree awarding body. The student will be based in Poland, Krakow operating in conjunction with the Cyfronet supercomputing centre hosted by AGH. Visits to Sheffield will form part of the PhD for purposes of strengthened supervision and training – the student is expected to spend approximately 6 undertaking visits to collaborating institutions including Sheffield during the contract.

Sano offers excellent opportunities for study and development, an access to many international conferences on computational medicine and a possibility to grow in a scientific society.

If you feel that this job opportunity is the career that you are looking for, please apply immediately and give Sano a chance to meet you. Please, be informed that Sano will contact only with Candidates fulfilling the formal criteria.

  • Job application

Sano is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application.

Applications in .pdf should include:

  • a cover letter;
  • a curriculum vitae;
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