Robot assisted micro navigation in soft tissues

The Institute for Robotics and Cognitive Systems (www.rob.uni-luebeck.de) at the University of Luebeck has 1 open PhD position in the area of medical robotics, in particular in needle steering and high-resolution image guidance for soft tissue navigation.
The position will be part of the PhD program at the Graduate School for Computing in Medicine and Life Sciences (www.gradschool.uni-luebeck.de). The PhD position is funded for 3 years with a scholarship of 1250 EUR per month, with possible increase.

Project description:
„Robot assisted micro navigation in soft tissues“
Minimally invasive procedures are becoming increasingly popular for diagnosis and interventions. However, navigation for such procedures is challenging, particularly in deformable soft tissue. For example, a probe or needle placed into the brain will cause tissue deformation.
The project aims at combining high-resolution image data and precise robotic needle steering to estimate the tissue deformation caused by the probe. Particularly, methods for precise robot control, robot dynamics, and signal / image processing will be developed.

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Alexander Schlaefer (schlaefer@rob.uni-luebeck.de).

Requirements:
Students with a master\'s degree in computer science, mathematics, physics or engineering are invited to apply for admission. A background in signal and image processing and robot control is preferable, experience in biomedical research is a plus.

Application:
A full application consists of: (1) a detailed CV, (2) a statement of motivation, (3) 2 reference letters, (4) degree certificates and grade transcripts.
Please, submit your application via email to rieckhoff@rob.uni-luebeck.de and schlaefer@rob.uni-luebeck.de.

Closing date:
The application deadline is August 15, 2010. The ideal starting date is September 1, 2010 (or as soon as possible after that date).