Deep Learning-based Surgical Simulation

Sano Postdoc

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 Simulation
Closing date: 27.05.2022
Level of education: PhD
Hours: 40 hours per week
Salary indication: up to 14000 PLN gross monthly
Project period: 1 - 2 years
Supervisor: Sano: Dr. Arkadiusz Sitek (Research Group Leader), Dr. Przemysław Korzeniowski (Senior Postdoc)

Currently, the most common method for doctors to acquire surgical skills is to assist more experienced colleagues during procedures. Due to the safety of patients, high costs and efficiency, this form of training is the last one that is often questioned, and more and more emphasis is placed on training outside the operating room. Virtual reality (VR) surgical simulators are one of the methods of such education. They offer a fully customizable, predictable and repeatable training environment in which clinicians can acquire and improve their skills without endangering the health and lives of patients. However, due to the computing power of modern computers, such a simulation is still a compromise between its realism and real-time feasibility.

The project will investigate the application of Deep Learning in the context of real-time surgical simulation. Specifically, it will explore training of different kinds of deep neural networks, which will improve the simulation and visualization realism and computational performance of virtual surgical procedures such as minimally-invasive and robotic surgery, flexible endoscopy, cardiovascular interventions and/or ophthalmology. 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 a PhD (recent or pending) in Computer Science and/or Machine Learning, but we would also consider exceptional STEM graduates 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) and knowledge of version control tools such as Git.

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

You are expected to:

do original research under the direction of one of Research Group Leaders;
publish your work in peer-review journals and present during national and international conferences;
apply for grants for further research
co-mentor junior scientists – PhD students and MSc students.

Required background and skills of the candidate:

recent or pending PhD in relevant field of science (computer science/machine learning or related fields);
programming skills (Python, C/C++, C#);
experience with Machine Learning frameworks and tools (PyTorch, TensorFlow)
desirable but not required is experience with 3D engines (Unity3D, Unreal Engine, Nvidia Omniverse or similar),
prior academic or industry research experience is a plus;
excellent written and oral English communication skills.
at least one first-author research publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, top conference or currently in press ideally in the field of data science;
ability to think critically, work independently, and solve complex problems;
interest in pursuing applied medical research in a multi-disciplinary environment.

We offer a fixed term contract for 40 hours per week for the duration of up to 2 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 14000 PLN gross per month, based on a full-time contract (40 hours a week) for the duration of 2 years with private medical care and a sports card.

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 Postdoc