Research Officer / AI Protoring & Surgical simulation 80-100%

Contexte

The Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) is one of the five Swiss university hospitals. Through its collaboration with the Faculty of Biology and Medicine of the University of Lausanne and EPFL, the CHUV plays a leading role in the fields of medical care, medical research, and education.

Our Department of Visceral Surgery includes experts in numerous surgical specialties: hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, esophageal and gastric surgery, colorectal surgery, proctology, general surgery, abdominal wall surgery, melanoma and sarcoma surgery, endocrine surgery, bariatric surgery (obesity), and transplantation.

Mission

AI-Driven Training Support:

• Investigate how an AI Proctor can assess trainees during simulated procedures
• Determine what data to log, how to structure it, and how to model user progression over time
• Explore and prototype variations of AI Proctors (types of guidance, feedback styles, interaction modes)
• Implement & optimize algorithms enabling AI-driven feedback in simulations

Prototype Development:

• Implement research prototypes primarily in Python (optionally interfacing with VirtaMed’s C++/C# stack when needed)
• Integrate models, data pipelines, and logic into simulation environments

Testing & Evaluation:

• Test AI proctor variations with real users (experts and beginners) and evaluate the quality and usefulness of the AI feedback
• Collect, analyze, and interpret performance data to support further iterations

Collaboration & Communication:

• Work closely with CHUV clinicians and VirtaMed engineers to understand real product needs
• Document findings clearly and present progress to R&D and product stakeholders
• Explore new ideas, push boundaries, and contribute to shaping the next generation of AI-driven surgical training.

Profil

Education & Experience:

• Completing or recently completed a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning / AI, Robotics, Biomedical Engineering or a related technical field

Technical Skills:

• Strong programming skills in Python
• Interest in AI/ML, data pipelines, and human–machine interaction
• Curiosity about surgical simulation and the OR training environment
• Familiarity with C++ or C# is a plus (not mandatory)

Soft Skills:

• Curious, proactive, eager to experiment and iterate
• Comfortable with open-ended problems
• Able to communicate clearly with technical and clinical stakeholders
• Collaborative mindset and willingness to learn from multiple disciplines

What we offer:

• A unique opportunity to work at the intersection of AI and surgical education
• Hands-on exposure to cutting-edge surgical simulators and real training environments
• Close collaboration with a leading university hospital (CHUV) and a global simulation leader (VirtaMed)
• Possibility of contract extension within VirtaMed depending on project results.

Nous offrons

Devenir une collaboratrice ou un collaborateur du Centre hospitalier universitaire vaudois, c'est l'assurance de bénéficier :

• De prestations sociales de premier ordre, d'un congé paternité de 20 jours et d'un congé maternité de 4 mois (avec possibilité d’un mois supplémentaire de congé d’allaitement)
• D'une progression salariale régulière et adaptée aux responsabilités
• D’un 13ème salaire et de 25 jours de vacances par année
• D'un droit à trois jours de formation minimum par année, avec l’accès à une offre variée au sein du Centre des Formations du CHUV et des centres de formation partenaires de l'Etat de Vaud
• D'un accès facilité à l'un des 500 logements meublés proposés dans les quartiers environnants pour les personnes qui s'installent en Suisse depuis l'étranger
• D’avantages sociaux, culturels et économiques offerts aux membres de l’association H-Oxygène
• D’avantages proposés dans le cadre du plan de mobilité (rabais sur les abonnements des transports publics, promotion des véhicules «Mobility» et rabais sur l’achat de vélos électriques)
• De restaurants d'entreprise de qualité hôtelière, dans chacun des bâtiments hospitaliers avec des tarifs préférentiels.

Contact et envoi de candidature

Contact person in case of questions about this role : Prof. Dieter Hahnloser, Department of Visceral Surgery, CHUV. Dieter.hahnloser@chuv.ch (please note that applications by email won't be accepted)

All of our applications are processed electronically. For this reason, we kindly ask you to apply exclusively by clicking on the APPLY button at the bottom of the advertisement.

Should you experience any problems with your application, you can consult our document "". In case of technical issues, you can contact our Recruitment team who will help you ( / +41 21 314 85 70) 

The CHUV applies the highest quality requirements as part of its recruitment process. In addition, mindful to promote workplace diversity and inclusion we strive to ensure equal treatment and avoid any discrimination. We are looking forward to receiving your application.

We would like to inform external recruitment agencies that any application inserted directly on our recruitment platform won’t be accepted and cannot be charged. Thank you for your understanding.