项目介绍

2025年4月1日

The Cell & Infection Biology Lab at the Institute of Virology and Immunology and University of Bern, is seeking two PhD students to explore how flaviviruses affect fetal brain development. Using advanced human-based models, including placental and brain organoids, you will investigate how these viruses breach cellular barriers and cause damage. The project incorporates a wide range of techniques, including stem cell and molecular biology, 3D organoid models, whole-genome expression profiling, and high-resolution microscopy, among others.

What are the requirements

You are curious, motivated, and resilient, with strong organizational skills and with the ability to work independently while staying focused on key objectives. At the same time, you thrive in a collaborative environment and excel as a team player. You possess both theoretical and practical expertise in stem cell biology, virology, and/or immunology. Experience with embryonic stem cell
culture techniques and confocal microscopy is highly desirable. Strong communication and writing skills in English are essential, while knowledge of German and/or French is considered a plus.
Applicants must hold a master’s degree (or equivalent) in Life Sciences and be eligible for PhD enrollment at Swiss universities. Admission to the Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB) at the University of Bern is required. Further details on guidelines of the GCB canbe found here: www.gcb.unibe.ch

What we offer

Join our dynamic, multicultural team and be at the forefront of groundbreaking research in a collaborative environment! You will receive comprehensive training, mentorship, and ongoing support while presenting your research at lab meetings, national and international conferences.
PhD positions are available immediately or upon mutual agreement, with a competitive salary following Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) guidelines. You’ll have access to state-of the-art facilities, including high-resolution microscopy, multiparameter flow cytometry, single-cell RNA sequencing, and high-containment labs for safe virus handling. Curious to learn more about
our work? Visit our lab’s homepage: www.ivi.unibe.ch/research/immunology/group_alves.

How to apply

Ready to join our team? Please submit a single PDF file containing your motivation letter, CV, diplomas, and contact details of at least two referees. Send your application to Prof. Dr. Marco Alves at marco.alves@unibe.ch. We look forward to hearing from you!