Postdoc position on “SmartShunt - Novel monitoring and adaptive CSF shunt system for hydrocephalus patients” in Zürich

100%, Zurich, permanent

The Institute for Dynamic Systems and Control (IDSC) in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral candidate to work in close collaboration with the Product Development Group Zurich (pd|z) and the Department of Neurosurgery at the University Hospital Zurich. This interdisciplinary project is funded by a grant from Innosuisse.

Hydrocephalus is described as a disturbance of the balance between production, passage, and resorption of the cerebrospinal fluid into the bloodstream that causes an expansion of the ventricles of the brain and can be treated with the placement of a shunt. Most shunt systems consist of a thin tube with a passive differential pressure valve and are placed from a lateral ventricle to the peritoneum. The technology has hardly changed in the past 60 years and suffers from high failure rates.

The goal of this research is to develop a SmartShunt that adjusts the drainage rate according to the patient’s need. It allows monitoring and includes safety algorithms for an intelligent implant that will solve current problems with passive devices. The novel device will be tested in vitro and in vivo. The tasks include software and hardware development. The latter will build on an available pump system.

This highly interdisciplinary project is embedded in a bigger endeavor addressing the study of hydrocephalus. The Postdoc candidate will work at IDSC and pd|z together with the PhD students in other hydrocephalus projects.

We are looking for a highly motivated and collaborative postdoctoral fellow that has a strong background in control and machine learning as well as interest in biomedical engineering and data science. She/he should have a strong motivation and willingness to incorporate novel controllers in an active shunt, develop intelligent monitoring facilities and integrate new knowledge from our interdisciplinary environment. Proficient oral and written English skills are expected. The ideal candidate will have:

• A PhD degree from a recognized university with an excellent GPA
• Profound knowledge in systems and control
• A background and interest in biomedical systems is a plus
• Experience with C/C++ and C#, MATLAB/Simulink and Python
• Strong interest in an application-oriented project

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.