Deep Learning-based Surgical Robots

Sano PhD Student

Give us a chance to meet you

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.

Project title: Deep Learning-based Surgical Robots
Closing date: 27.05.2022
Level of education: Level of education: Master's degree
Hours: 40 hours per week
Salary indication: up to 8000 PLN gross monthly
Project start: 2022
Supervisor: Sano: Dr. Arkadiusz Sitek (Research Group Leader), Dr. Przemysław Korzeniowski (Senior Postdoc)
Degree Awarding Institution: AGH

The project will investigate the use of VR, Simulation, Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning and Robotics in surgical robotics. Specifically, it will explore training of machine learning algorithms in virtual environments, which simulate surgical procedures such as minimally-invasive surgery, flexible endoscopy, cardiovascular interventions and/or ophthalmology.

The research will aim to deliver algorithms and/or prototypes for autonomous surgery of the above procedures. You will use and develop cutting edge software for training surgical robots in simulated virtual environments via machine learning techniques such as Reinforcement Learning and Differentiable Simulation. Then, you will attempt to transfer the learned behaviours from simulated robot to state-of-the-art robotic arm to perform the aforementioned surgical procedures. You will join a thriving AI research community with many ongoing projects in healthcare.

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, Biomedical Engineering, Machine Learning, AI or Robotics, but we would also consider exceptional STEM students providing that they have appropriate Computer Science skills. Ideal skills would include: programming (Python/C/C++) and ML frameworks (PyTorch/Tensorflow). Nice to have: 3D engines (Unity3D, Unreal Engine, Omniverse, Bullet Physics), robotics middleware (ROS), and knowledge of version control tools such as Git.

You do not need to have a background in Surgical Robotics, but willingness to learn basic concepts and definitions will be required.

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.

Required background and skills of the candidate:

Master’s degree (completed or near completion) in a relevant discipline such as computer science, biomedical engineering, computer engineering, robotics, physics or similar;
programming skills (Python, C/C++, C#);
experience with 3D engines (Unity3D, Unreal Engine, Nvidia Omniverse or similar),
desirable but not required is experience with Machine Learning frameworks and tools (PyTorch, TensorFlow) as well as knowledge of robotics middleware (ROS, ROS2, Nvidia Isaac),
prior academic or industry research experience is a plus;
interest in pursuing applied research;
excellent written and oral English communication skills.

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 AGH. AGH will be the degree awarding body. The student will be based in Poland, operating in conjunction with the Cyfronet supercomputing centre hosted by AGH.

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.

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;

Sano PhD Student