Research Specialist in Robotics Full-time

Research Specialist in Robotics

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

We are recruiting a Research Specialist for the Emma Andersson Lab at Karolinska Institutet, offering a unique experience in applying robotics for biomedical application.

We are seeking a motivated candidate to contribute to the development and validation of a robotic system for precision injections. The project combines robotics, image processing, software development, and experimental validation to improve the accuracy and reliability of automated tissue injections. Ultrasound-guided injections are widely used in biomedical research for applications such as genetic modification, targeted drug delivery, antibody production, and cell transplantation. These procedures are important for studying disease models, evaluating new therapies, and advancing regenerative medicine. However, current injection procedures are performed manually and require a high level of operator skill. The success and accuracy of these procedures depend strongly on the user's experience, hand–eye coordination, and ability to interpret ultrasound images. This often leads to variations in injection accuracy and success rates, especially for less experienced users. Such variability can affect experimental reproducibility and reduce the efficiency and scalability of preclinical research.

To overcome these limitations, this project aims to develop a robotic system capable of performing ultrasound-guided injections with high precision and repeatability. Through an ongoing collaboration between KTH and Karolinska Institutet (KI), an initial robotic platform and user interface have already been developed. The successful candidate will further develop and improve the existing system to support semi-autonomous injections at predefined targets in vivo. A key task will be to detect and track tissue deformation during needle insertion and develop robotic control algorithms that continuously adjust needle motion to maintain accurate targeting.

The upgraded system will combine real-time ultrasound image processing, autonomous needle guidance, and robotic control to reduce operator dependency. By integrating robotic precision with ultrasound imaging, the project aims to improve targeting accuracy, shorten procedure times, and increase the reliability and consistency of injections across different users and tissue types.

The initial phase of the project will focus on gaining a thorough understanding of the existing robotic platform, software architecture, and user interface.

Subsequently, the candidate will work on the following tasks:

Image Processing Development

• Design, implement, and evaluate image-processing algorithms to detect and track tissue deformation and displacement during needle insertion and injection procedures.
• Assess algorithm performance under different tissue conditions.

User Interface Development and Validation

• Enhance and update the existing user interface based on the requirements and feedback of researchers at Karolinska Institutet (KI).
• Support usability testing and validation of the interface and overall system with end users.

Experimental Validation

• Conduct robotic injection experiments in real-world conditions.
• Evaluate system performance with respect to targeting accuracy, repeatability, robustness, and operational reliability.
• Analyze experimental data and contribute to reporting and documentation of results.

For employment as Research Specialist at Karolinska Institutet, the eligibility requirements stated in the Guidelines for non-teaching positions at Karolinska Institutet are applied in relation to the established profile of employment.

To be eligible for employment as a Research Specialist, the candidate must have demonstrated scientific expertise and hold a doctoral degree in robotics, computer science, or a related field, or possess a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a Swedish doctoral degree, as well as documented research experience following the completion of the PhD. The position offers a unique opportunity to conduct interdisciplinary research at the intersection of robotics, computer vision, and medical robotics. The project is particularly well suited for researchers who wish to translate advanced robotics methods into practical biomedical applications.

It is particularly meritorious that the applicant has shown:

• PhD in robotic systems, automation, or control systems.
• Strong programming skills in Python.
• Knowledge of image processing and computer vision techniques (e.g., OpenCV).
• Experience with software development and graphical user interface (GUI) design.
• Ability to conduct experimental work and analyze data systematically.

It is meritorious that the applicant has shown:

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently in a research environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

A creative and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Here, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. At KI, you get to meet researchers working with a wide range of specialisms and methods, giving you ample opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience with the various scientific fields within medicine and health. It is the crossover collaborations, which have pushed KI to where it is today, at the forefront of global research. Several of the people you meet in healthcare are educated at KI. A close relationship with the health care providers is important for creating groundbreaking top quality education and research. Karolinska Institutet is also a state university, which entitles you to several benefits through our collective agreement.