PhD Position<br/>in the Department of Veterinary Anatomy<br/>Vetsuisse Faculty Bern 100 %

Bern

Key information

Publication date:08 August 2025
Workload:100%
Place of work:Bern

Job summary

Join the Veterinary Anatomy Department at the University of Bern! Engage in innovative research and teaching in anatomy and histology.

Tasks

Conduct research on 3D in-vitro disease models using primary cells.
Test photodynamic therapies with phospholipid nanocarriers.
Utilize advanced microscopy techniques for image analysis.

Skills

Master's degree in veterinary medicine, biology, or related fields.
Experience with 2D and 3D cell cultures is a plus.
Strong abilities in microscopy and automated image analysis.

Is this helpful?

Research Focus Department of Veterinary Anatomy
We conduct research and teaching in the fields of anatomy, histology, and embryology. As part of the Core Facility "Microscopy Imaging Center" (MIC) of the University of Bern, we also offer microscopy services and training. Our research focuses on the morphological characterization of normal and artificial tissues, using modern microscopic techniques and machine learning. Our goal is to contribute to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. To this end, we investigate the cellular mechanisms of normal and artificial skin and blood vessels of various species under physiological conditions as well as after exposure to therapeutic agents or pathogens. Furthermore, we are involved in the development and application of microscopic techniques, including wide-field microscopy, confocal microscopy, high-throughput microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, as well as automated image analysis.

PhD Project: "Development and Characterization of Complex Artificial Tissue/Organ-on-Chip Models"

Activities

In collaboration with Dr. Martina Vermathen, we are testing how deeply photoactive drug-loaded phospholipid nanocarriers penetrate our skin models. We aim to find new ways to combat skin cancer. The goal of this project is to develop a vascularized, microfluidic in vitro (disease) skin model, as well as to test the efficacy of new photodynamic therapeutics.

Specifically, the activities include:

Research and development work on microfluidic 3D in vitro (disease) models based on primary cells
Isolation of primary cells
Use of carrier systems and photodynamic substances
Application of various microscopic techniques and image analysis programs
Testing the reproducibility of the model
Contributing to the preparation of scientific articles and presenting results at conferences
Supporting the supervision of students' laboratory practical work

Your Profile

Completed university degree (Master's or equivalent) in veterinary medicine, biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, pharmacology, toxicology, or a related field
Enthusiasm for scientific work and for writing scientific articles
Preferred: Practical experience with 2D and/or 3D cell cultures
Very good knowledge of German and English, both spoken and written

Desired:

Experience in microscopy and automated image analysis
Conscientious and independent working style, high commitment, flexibility, creativity, openness, and teamwork skills

We Offer

A high quality of life in Switzerland
Trust-based working hours
Extensive training opportunities for professional and personal development
Competent and continuous support at work
Modern laboratory facilities including a wide range of state-of-the-art microscopes
Good networking within and outside the faculty

Conditions

Salary for doctoral candidates according to the guidelines of the Swiss National Science Foundation
Workplace: Bern, Vetsuisse Faculty
Duration of employment: 1.5 to 3 years, depending on whether it is a Dr. med. vet. or PhD project
Start of work: as soon as possible

Please send your application documents (cover letter, CV, certificates, references) as a single PDF document by September 15, 2025, to sabine.kaessmeyer@unibe.ch.