PhD Student in Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines and Tumor Immunology

PhD Student in Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines and Tumor Immunology

Join the University of Bern International to work on the design and development of virus‑like particle (VLP) based therapeutic cancer vaccines. The position is fully funded and offers a dynamic, international research environment.

Department:
Bio Medical Research, University of Bern
Start of employment:
April 1, 2026
Duration: 3 years

Location:

Inselspital, Bern

The project focuses on creating novel therapeutic VLP‑based cancer vaccines for solid tumors (breast cancer, melanoma, head and neck cancer). Work will use AI‑driven design approaches and will entail both in vitro and in vivo experimentation, with a strong emphasis on evaluating immune responses, especially B‑cell activation and complement involvement, in transgenic mouse models.

• Design and produce VLPs using AI‑based software, ÄKTA systems, and ultracentrifugation.
• Perform in vitro assays to assess vaccine immunogenicity.
• Conduct subcutaneous and orthotopic mouse tumor studies.
• Analyze immune data using flow cytometry (Aurora), image mass cytometry, and single‑cell RNA sequencing.
• Collaborate with research groups at the University of Bern and partner institutions in China.
• Attend weekly research meetings and contribute to scientific discussions.

• Master’s degree in life sciences or biomedical sciences.
• Strong background in immunology and cellular biology.
• Experience with VLP design, ÄKTA purification, and ultracentrifugation.
• Approved in‑vivo animal license (LTK) in Switzerland.
• Hands‑on experience with subcutaneous and orthotopic murine cancer models.
• Proficiency in flow cytometry (Aurora), image mass cytometry, RNA‑seq, and single‑cell sequencing.
• Excellent communication skills in English; knowledge of Chinese is an advantage.
• Proactive attitude and ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Full integration into the team with weekly lab and research meetings.
• Access to well‑equipped laboratories and state‑of‑the‑art core facilities.
• Salary follows Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) guidelines.

Send a complete application (CV, motivation letter, reference letter, and all diplomas with grades) via email to immunologie by January 31st, 2026
.
For any questions regarding the position, please contact Prof.
Mona Mohsen (mona.mohsen) or Prof.
Martin Bachmann (martin.bachmann).

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