PhD Candidate (Dr. med. vet.) 100%

About the job

Division of Neurological Sciences, DCR-VPH, Vetsuisse Faculty
Start of employment: 01.01.2026 or by arrangement
The position is limited to 2 years
The clinical neurovirology working group in the Department of Neurological Sciences combines diagnostic and research-oriented approaches for the analysis of viral pathogens in animals with encephalitis. Using modern sequencing techniques and molecular detection methods, unknown or unexpected viral pathogens can be uncovered and associated with neurological diseases. Affiliated with this, we take on the National Reference Laboratory function for the clarification of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle and Scrapie in small ruminants.

As part of a two-year Dr. med. vet. dissertation, a research project will be carried out in collaboration with the Institute of Veterinary Pathology Zurich and the Institute of Animal Pathology Bern for the analysis of encephalitis of unknown viral origin in pigs using high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. Additionally, brain sections from pigs with encephalitis will be examined for novel neurotropic viruses using in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC), such as Porcine Astrovirus 3 (PoAstV3) and Porcine Bastrovirus (PoBastV).
The doctoral position includes, besides independent research work, also routine diagnostic activities for BSE monitoring in the reference laboratory.

• Degree in veterinary medicine
• Laboratory experience advantageous (biomedical research/pathology)
• Interest in modern research techniques and bioinformatics
• Good German and English skills
• Motivation, independence after introduction

• Excellent conditions for writing a dissertation
• Participation in scientific conferences
• Insight into reference laboratory activities
• Attractive employment conditions according to the personnel regulations of the Canton of Bern
• Collaboration with international research teams

For further information about the position, please contact Dr. med. vet. Kara Dawson, kara.dawson@unibe.ch .

Please send your application documents (cover letter, CV, certificates, and diplomas) by 01.12.2025 in a single PDF file to: kara.dawson@unibe.ch .