PhD 100 %

Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine
Start date: immediate start or upon agreement
Light is essential for humans, and it is well known that white light can influence various physiological parameters, such as the hormone melatonin (sleep induction), heart rate variability, and mental abilities such as concentration and attention. Colored light can also influence these parameters. Although light, and colored light in particular, plays an increasingly important role in our modern lives and is also used therapeutically, the effects of colored light on humans have not yet been scientifically investigated to any great extent. Our research group has already been able to demonstrate some interesting effects of colored light. This research will be continued in the PhD thesis through further studies. Non-invasive methods such as systemic-physiology-augmented near-infrared spectroscopy (SPA-fNIRS); a modern neuroimaging method), electroencephalography, and psychometric measurement methods will be used.

Based on the results of these studies, we expect that therapeutic approaches using colored light can be developed in a targeted manner and that the effects of the increasing use of colored light can be better understood.

We are looking for a motivated, independent person who is pursuing a PhD.

• Conducting project-related studies
• Presenting results at national and international conferences, writing peer-reviewed publications
• Collaborating with internal and external partners
• Co-supervising master's theses and medical dissertations within the scope of this research project

• Completed degree (MSc) in medicine, engineering, physics, psychology
• Interest in the topic
• Solid experience with software and data analysis (ideally Matlab or similar)
• Independent and reliable way of working
• Ability to work in a team and enjoy interdisciplinary work
• Good written and spoken German and English skills
• Good social skills

• A varied and challenging role in an exciting field of research
• Admission to a Graduate school at the University of Bern
• Supportive and collegial work in an interdisciplinary team
• Salary in accordance with Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) rates
• Networking opportunities nationally and internationally
• Employment for 3-4 years

Please send your application documents in one PDF file (including a letter of motivation, CV, list of publications and 2 references) by October 6, 2025, by email to: E-Mail schreiben.
Applications that do not meet the requirements or do not include all the required documents will not be considered.