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ESTS Biology Club Robotic Fellowship

We are pleased to offer as a joint venture with the ESTS Biology Club a three-month Robotic Research Fellowship in the Department of Thoracic Surgery at the University Hospital Zurich.

Besides a unique opportunity for young thoracic surgeons to observe robotic-assisted thoracic surgery, the focus will be on a research project around with the topic of robotic surgery.

The fellow will actively participate in a research project on robotic surgery and outcome research, utilizing data from the ESTS Robotic Surgery Database. This initiative aims to contribute to the advancement of robotic thoracic surgery and improve patient outcomes.

Upon completion (05/2026), fellows are expected to apply their acquired knowledge to develop and expand robotic surgery programs at their home institutions, fostering innovation in minimally invasive thoracic surgery.

Fellowship Grant

  • Grant amount: 18’000 CHF (includes salary, 10% overhead, project costs, travel reimbursement).
  • Duration: 3 months

Eligibility Criteria

  • D. in training for thoracic surgery (postdoctoral level)
  • Upper age limit: 40 years
  • Proficiency in English or German.
  • ESTS membership required.
  • Open to both European and non-European candidates.
  • The fellow must return to their home institution after completion, where appropriate robotic surgery facilities should be available.

Applicants must submit the following documents

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) and bibliography.
  • Research project outline focused on robotic thoracic surgery, suggesting a research question.
  • Letter of support from the home institution.

Applications will be reviewed by

  • Members of the ESTS Biology Club
  • Department Chief of Thoracic Surgery, Zurich (Isabelle Opitz)
  • ESTS Director of Education (Alessandro Bertani)
  • ESTS Treasurer (Servet Bolukbas)
  • ESTS Director of Robotic Database (Jean-Marc Baste)

Selection will be based on

  • Originality and feasibility of the proposed project.
  • Potential career impact and benefits for the home institution.
  • Expected contribution to research and robotic thoracic surgery advancements.
  • The final 3 candidates selected will have to present their project at the Biology Club Session during the ESTS annual meeting in Budapest to find out the final winner.

Fellows will be required to

  • Submit a final report detailing their training and experience.
  • Provide a financial report outlining grant expenditures.
  • Be encouraged to publish research findings in the European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.

Application

All applications must be submitted by Thursday, April 1, 2025, to:

Zlatka Mitreva

Projects Administrator, ESTS

zmitreva@kenes.com

We encourage ambitious young thoracic surgeons with a passion for robotic surgery and research to apply for this exceptional opportunity to advance their skills and contribute to innovation in the field.