Molecular and cellular effects of neurological insults on the function of lower urinary tract
A PhD position is available in the Functional Urology Lab of the Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern (Bern, Switzerland) for a highly motivated candidate interested in studying the impact of neurological damage on bladder function. The project will focus on bladder overactivity in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), and use a combination of in vivo animal models and human samples to understand the underlying pathological mechanisms and test potential therapeutic interventions.
Starting date: April 2023 (upon agreement), Duration: 4 years
Project Background
Patients living with spinal cord injury (SCI) and multiple sclerosis (MS) often suffer from a bladder dysfunction known as “neurogenic bladder overactivity”, which reduces their quality of life and might lead to bladder failure if left untreated. Our previous multiomics studies in rodents with SCI generated promising pharmacological leads to improve bladder function. In this project, we will investigate the role of mitochondrial damage, ROS elevation and activation of PARP-1 signaling in the emergence of bladder overactivity. Using mouse models of neurological disorders such as MS and SCI on different genetic backgrounds and human samples, the PhD candidate will seek to correlate the rodent and human data and identify the molecular mechanisms and cell type-specific responses to injury and therapeutic intervention. The student will use a variety of techniques such as cell culture, in vitro assays, in vivo experiments, RNA sequencing and proteomics. S/he will also be responsible for analyzing data and preparing it for presentation and publication.
Requirements
The ideal candidate will have a University Master Degree in Biomedical / Biological Sciences or equivalent, s/he must be fluent in written and spoken English and willing to conduct animal studies.
Optional (advantage): previous experience with rodent handling and experimentation, practical knowledge of molecular and cellular techniques, basic knowledge in linux (STAR Alignment), R (featureCount, Seurat, edgeR, DESeq2), Python (scikit-learn) and Matlab, basic knowledge of German, academic IELTS (7),TOEFL or GRE
We offer
A highly recognized PhD training program at the Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB) of the University of Bern, work as a part of an active team of clinicians, basic researchers and engineers dedicated to helping patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction.
Salary: According to the University of Bern Guidelines, study funded by SNSF. Working and Thesis Language: English
Apply now!
To apply, please email a single PDF file containing your CV (including relevant courses, grades and techniques), a statement of research interests and addresses of 2 referees to Dr. Ali Hashemi Gheinani ([email protected]).
Contact: Prof. Katia Monastyrskaya & Dr. Ali Hashemi Gheinani, Functional Urology Group, DBMR, University of Bern, MEM C807 Murtenstrasse 35, 3008 Bern Switzerland, Phone lab: (+ 41) 31 632 87 19 https:// www. urofun.ch/index.html
www. unibe.ch