PhD Student Position in Neuroimmunology/Brain Barriers Research

at the Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern

In the group of Prof. Britta Engelhardt, there is an opening for a qualified and highly motivated student to pursue a PhD thesis in the field of neuroimmunology

The NEURON (Network of European Funding for Neuroscience Research) funded collaborative project entitled DeCoDis (Deciphering Cellular and Acellular Barrier Dysfunction in Cerebrovascular Diseases) will focus on exploring the contribution of vascular, meningeal and glial brain barriers to inflammation in a mouse model of stroke. The overall goal will be to understand the potential of therapeutic stabilization of brain barriers in cerebrovascular diseases.

The project is embedded in the collaborative effort of DeCoDis, which brings together unique expertise in cellular and acellular barriers of the brain and neuroinflammation (Lydia Sorokin, University of Münster, Germany; Britta Engelhardt, University of Bern, Switzerland), bioengineering and imaging of CSF flow (Steven Proulx, University of Bern, Switzerland), human stroke (Karin Gertz, Charité- University Clinic Berlin, Germany) and an early stage researcher specialized in dynamic imaging of resident versus infiltrating myeloid populations in and around the brain (Rejane Rua, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille Luminy, France).

The successful candidate has a master's degree in the life sciences, bioengineering or a related discipline with a dedicated interest in brain barrier research and immune cell trafficking within the CNS using in vivo models and high-end microscopy techniques. The candidate is expected to have a high motivation in pursuing a team-oriented research effort.

The position is available from July 1st, 2023. The TKI offers an international state-of-the-art laboratory environment. The PhD student will be enrolled in the interfaculty Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Bern (www. gcb.unibe.ch). Excellent training possibilities will additionally be available through the PhD programs „Cell Migration“ (www. cell-mig.ch) and “Cutting Edge Microscopy” (www. mic.unibe.ch).

Applications including a CV, information on educational background and experience, a meaningful motivation letter and 2 references should be sent to: Prof. Britta Engelhardt, Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, Freiestrasse. 1, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland. E-Mail: [email protected], Homepage: www. tki.unibe.ch

www. unibe.ch