100% PhD for Center of Intelligent Optics
Date: Nov 6, 2025
Location: Hegenheimermattweg 167c | 4123 Allschwil | Switzerland, CH
Company: Universität Basel
The Center for Intelligent Optics (CIO) develops advanced optical technologies, including imaging, spectroscopy, and laser ablation methods. Our goal is to bridge these cutting-edge laser technologies with clinical practice, developing solutions that enable accurate and real-time diagnosis and therapies.
Project background:
Polyethylene wear is a major factor affecting the long-term performance of hip implants, as it can lead to particle-induced inflammation and implant loosening. Understanding the mechanisms and patterns of wear at the microscopic and molecular levels is therefore critical for improving implant longevity and patient outcomes. In this project, high-resolution spectroscopic imaging will be employed to map chemical changes and structural degradation in the PE material, while correlating these findings with biological responses observed in surrounding tissues. The principal aim of this interdisciplinary project, entitled "Comprehensive analysis of determinants of polyethylene wear and the related tissue response to improveoutcomes in total hip arthroplasty" is to characterize the in vitro and in vivo wear behavior of polyethylene (PE) sockets from retrieved THA components. This will be achieved using advanced optical imaging techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. To achieve this goal, two positions have been designed. The first position (technician) will focus on performing Raman/FTIR on retrieved samples. The PhD position will focus on developing a deep-learning algorithm for analyzing the acquired experimental data.
Your assignments
The PhD position will focus on development a comprehensive and AI-driven platform for automated analyzing
on acquired data (such as labeling, and clustering.). The candidate is expected to visit research
facilities in the US, Germany, and Switzerland to collaborate with the research partners and expand their
knowledge in the topic.
Your profile
• University master’s degree in Computer Science, Physics, Biomedical Engineering, or closely related
fields
• Excellent Master’s and Bachelor’s grades
• Strong programming skills, preferably in Python, with experience in deep learning algorithms
• Experience with Raman and/or FTIR imaging is a plus
• High motivation to work with optics and their biomedical applications,
• Applicants are expected to have excellent language skills in English.
We offer you
• Opportunity to work on a highly innovative project within a highly interdisciplinary environment
• Enrollment in an established 1-year PhD program (with 3-year possible extension) in Biomedical
Engineering (in English)
• The salary is very competitive by international standards and will be according to the guidelines of
the University of Basel. Five weeks of holidays per year, 42 working hours per week.
Application / Contact
Apply for this project with the following documents as a single PDF file:
• CV including publication list
• Motivation letter (max 2 pages)
• Diplomas and course transcripts
• The names and addresses (including email) of three references
This position will stay open until filled. For more information, please refer to arsham.hamidi@unibas.ch (Subject: Tech-CIO-25106).