PhD Position: Low Code & No Code software engineering freezing of gait in Parkinson's disea

Overview

PhD Position:
Low Code & No Code software engineering for freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease 100%

Join to apply for the PhD Position:
Low Code & No Code software engineering for freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease 100% role at ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences. The PhD will be carried out over 36 months under the advisory of Prof. Dr. Marcela Ruiz (ZHAW) and Prof. Dr. Robert Riener (ETH). The position is fully funded by the Antifreeze project and the ZHAW School of Engineering.

Starting date: 1 February 2026 or earlier for 36 months.

The PhD will be involved in research on the frontiers of software engineering to develop low code & no code artefacts that support clinicians in the creation and personalisation of freezing of gait interventions using VR and AR technologies. It includes:

• Research, design, and implementation of novel low code & no code software artefacts for personalized interventions in Parkinson's disease.
• Assessment, evaluation, and creation of interventions for freezing of gait in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team (computer science, neurology, rehabilitation robotics).
• Experimental validations and ensuring results meet ETH Zurich standards for a PhD thesis.

The successful candidate will work within the Antifreeze project team to explore, develop, and validate software engineering solutions for clinical use.

• Team player with the ability to join an interdisciplinary team of computer scientists, neurologists, and rehabilitation scientists.
• Good communication skills; able to write and present results at journals, conferences, and project meetings.
• Excellent master’s degree in computer science, STEM, health and life sciences and technology, or related discipline from a university or university of applied sciences.
• Sense of responsibility and self-motivation to achieve PhD goals independently and contribute to the Antifreeze team.
• Nice to have: basic knowledge in computational thinking, conceptual modelling, model-driven engineering, low-code & no code tools, robotics rehabilitation, VR and AR.
• Enthusiasm, empathy, and commitment to health sciences and technology in controlled and clinical environments.

Please include in your application: motivation letter, curriculum vitae (including publications and awards if available), 2 reference names with contact details, a research statement indicating skills you have and want to learn during the PhD, and master diploma with bachelor and master grades.

• Fully funded PhD position through the Antifreeze project and ZHAW School of Engineering.
• Working conditions and terms of employment commensurate with higher education institutions; opportunities for personal development.
• Workplace culture, work-life balance, diversity and inclusion, sustainability, occupational health management, and salary/pension provisions are highlighted as part of the package.

Apply online now.

Prof. Dr. Marcela Ruiz — Head of Research Group Software Engineering
marcela.ruiz

Jocelyn Schaad — Recruiting Manager
jocelyn.schaad