Summary
The Machine Learning in Medicine Lab at the University of Bern (Universität Bern) is recruiting a PhD candidate to develop trustworthy machine learning methods for modelling disease progression from large multimodal health datasets. The project focuses on multimodal representation learning, progression modelling, causal methods, and fairness across diverse biomedical data sources. The position offers a collaborative research environment, close ties to Inselspital Bern University Hospital, and an annual gross salary of 50,042 CHF (full-time, 2026).
Designation
PhD Candidate (Machine Learning in Medicine)
Key Details
| Institution | University of Bern (Universität Bern) — Machine Learning in Medicine Lab |
| Location | Bern, Switzerland (close collaboration with Inselspital, Bern University Hospital) |
| Research Area | Machine learning for health: multimodal representation learning, disease progression modelling, causal ML, uncertainty quantification, reliability and fairness |
| Salary | Annual gross salary 50’042 CHF (full-time, 2026, includes 13th month) |
| Employment Type | PhD position (full-time) |
| Application Deadline | Not specified — please check the official posting for updates |
| Apply Link | Apply on Universität Bern careers page |
Research Area
The project targets methodological and applied machine learning questions for modeling disease progression using multimodal data. Potential research directions include:
- Multimodal representation learning across imaging, wearable time series and tabular clinical data
- Disease progression modelling from cross-sectional and sparse longitudinal datasets
- Causal machine learning to separate treatment effects from natural disease trajectories
- Learning robustly with missing modalities and irregularly sampled signals
- Assessing and mitigating fairness and bias across demographic subgroups
Location
The position is based in Bern, Switzerland, at the University of Bern. The lab collaborates closely with clinicians at Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and maintains national and international research links.
Eligibility / Qualification
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a quantitative discipline such as computer science, machine learning, statistics, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field
- Solid theoretical foundation in machine learning and strong analytical skills
- Practical experience implementing and evaluating machine learning models in Python
- Experience with biomedical data (medical imaging, wearable sensor data, tabular clinical data) is a plus
- Curiosity, motivation for research, and willingness to work collaboratively in a small team
Scholarship / Position Description
This PhD position is hosted by the Machine Learning in Medicine Lab led by Prof. Dr. Lisa Koch. The group focuses on developing trustworthy ML methods targeted for clinical use, including uncertainty quantification, robustness, probabilistic modelling, representation learning, and causal approaches. The successful candidate will work on modelling disease progression using large multimodal datasets — combining imaging, wearable sensor data, and clinical measurements — with the aim to better understand trajectories of chronic disease and support early detection and interventions.
The lab offers a collaborative and international research environment, close interaction with clinicians at Inselspital, and access to strong research infrastructure. Benefits include individual supervision, a healthy working culture, and links to national and international research groups.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted via the University of Bern job portal linked below. Prepare a complete application including:
- Curriculum vitae
- Motivation / cover letter describing research interests and fit for the project
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Names and contact details of references (or reference letters if available)
- Optional: publication list, code or project portfolio
If you have questions about the project or fit, you may also contact the lab directly (see the lab website for contact details).
Last Date to Apply
Candidates are advised to consult the apply link for the most current information and to apply as soon as possible.
Apply Link
Additional Information
The University of Bern emphasizes development, diversity and equal opportunities. The Machine Learning in Medicine Lab values close supervision, interdisciplinary collaboration and publishing at leading venues in machine learning and medical imaging. For full details on benefits and formal employment conditions, refer to the university career pages.
