Research focus Veterinary Anatomy In our working group, we are interested in the morphological examination of cells, tissues and organs in situ and in vitro. Our spectrum of methods ranges from the classical macroscopic to the histological and cytological level to the analysis of ultrastructure via electron microscopy. Our research focus lies, among other things, in the establishment of realistic models of blood vessel formation and the morphological and functional characterisation of blood vessel formation in situ. We work with three-dimensional, complex in vitro cell culture models as well as with in situ tissues of different species and ages. Our research group offers close and good supervision, a structured introduction in the applied methods and joyful teamwork.
Theses project
Embryo-maternal interactions at the time of birth in the Tammar wallaby, Macropus eugenii The reproductive strategy of marsupials is based on a very short gestation followed by a long lactation. The pregnancy is usually shorter than a "non- pregnant" ovarian cycle. In the Tammar wallaby, the gestation period is 26.5 days. Only shortly before birth does the foetus come into direct contact with the mother through the formation of a yolk sac placenta. The "maternal recognition of pregnancy" manifests itself in an increased vascularisation of the pregnant uterine horn as well as an increased formation of uterine glands. While in placental animals the maternal immune response is suppressed during implantation, the prenatal phase is characterised by an inflammatory reaction in the sense of maternal rejection. The extent to which inflammatory processes play a role in marsupial birth is largely unclear. In this study, immunohistological methods will be used to investigate whether signs of an inflammatory reaction are present in the pregnant endometrium. Among other things, the local vascularisation at the foeto-maternal interface will be compared with the vascularisation of the remaining pregnant uterine horn and the non-pregnant uterine horn. Another focus is on the characterisation of cytokines and immune cells.
Requirements
To strengthen our team, we are looking for a motivated applicant who is highly interested in engaging in scientific work and new, especially microscopic methods, and who wants to advance and develop an exciting project together with us. The candidate must have a degree in veterinary medicine or a related field. Furthermore, we expect a very good ability to express oneself in English and a high motivation to produce scientific publications.
What we offer
We are an open-minded team and welcome new staff members, whom we support and accompany competently and continuously in their work. Our laboratories offer the possibility to work with a wide range of microscopic and immunohistochemical techniques. Our networking within and outside the faculty guarantees the exchange with other experts. These conditions offer optimal framework conditions for the timely completion of the doctoral thesis.
Prerequisites
Salary for doctoral students according to the rates of the Swiss National Science Foundation. Application deadline: until 15.03.2023 Place of work: Bern Employment level: 100% Duration: 18 - 24 months Starting date: as soon as possible
Please send your application documents (letter of motivation, CV, certificates, references) as a single pdf file to [email protected]
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