PhD position; s in social neuroscience

Department: Department of Biomedical Research

Description:

Department of Neurology, University of Bern &
Inselspital University Hospital Bern
Experimental Neurology Center (ZEN), Switzerland

The research group of Prof. Pegah Kassraian is seeking motivated and interdisciplinary‑minded PhD student(s). The positions are fully funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and the Faculty of Medicine.

The research group investigates, in rodents, the behavioral, neural, molecular, and circuit‑level mechanisms of social cognition, with close links to clinical research. Experimental methods include the manipulation and monitoring of neural circuits using in vivo calcium and neurotransmitter imaging, optogenetic and chemogenetic approaches, combined with computational analysis of behavioral and neural data acquired in controlled and semi‑naturalistic social environments.

Group members are embedded in an international, collaborative, and highly interdisciplinary environment at ZEN, with strong national and international collaborations, and are provided with ample opportunities for career development. Candidates are expected to start in August 2026 or by mutual agreement. Review of applications will continue until the positions are filled.

PhD candidates will conduct independent research as part of the SNSF project and enroll in the doctoral program of the University of Bern. The position offers comprehensive training in design and implementation of rodent social behavioral assays, rodent stereotaxic surgeries and neural data collection and analysis. Contract length: 4 years.

Required qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences, Computer Science, Biology, Medicine or a related discipline
• Experience in rodent stereotaxic surgery and rodent behavioral assays and programming and data analysis skills are a plus
• Strong academic record and motivation for independent research in social neuroscience
• Interest in interdisciplinary and translational approaches

• An international, collaborative, and supportive research environment with a strong focus on excellent fundamental research with clinical relevance
• State‑of‑the‑art research infrastructure within the University of Bern
• Internationally highly competitive salaries and benefits in accordance with University of Bern employment regulations and SNSF‑funded positions
• Career development opportunities, including mentoring, training in grant writing and teaching, and possibilities to apply for local and national grants for early career researchers
• Strong collaborations with partners across computational sciences, clinical and human neuroscience, psychiatry, and engineering

Application procedure

To apply, please submit a single PDF containing your CV, a brief statement of research interests, and the contact details of two to three referees to Prof. Pegah Kassraian sraian. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Informal inquiries are welcome.