PhD Student in Translational Cancer Research, SNSF project

PhD Student in Translational Cancer Research, SNSF project 80-100%, Fixed-term for 3 years, Bern

With us, you're part of an international community and benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Establish, characterise and maintain patient-derived cancer cell lines and 3D organoids, including models derived prospectively from fresh tumour biopsies
• Perform in vitro efficacy studies and mechanistic validation experiments, using drug response, clonogenic growth and live-cell imaging assays
• Design and carry out genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 synthetic lethality screens and validate the resulting druggable hits
• Analyse screening and sequencing data using established bioinformatics pipelines (MAGeCK RRA/MLE, R)
• Perform confocal and multiplexed immunofluorescence microscopy
• Contribute to in vivo xenograft experiments and to the histological and computational pathology characterisation of explanted tumours
• Present results at national and international conferences and prepare first-author manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals
• Participate in the doctoral programme of the Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences

• Master's degree (MSc) in Molecular Life Sciences (Cell and Molecular Biology or Biochemistry/Chemical Biology), Biomedical Sciences, molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology or a related field, completed by the starting date, ideally with at least one full year lab experience.
• Solid practical experience in mammalian cell culture (experience with 3D organoids is an advantage)
• Experience in standard molecular biology and imaging techniques (western blotting, immunofluorescence, qPCR, optical microscopy). Experience with confocal microscopy is an advantage
• Basic skills in data analysis and statistics; familiarity with Graph Pad or R is an advantage
• Strong motivation for translational cancer research and genuine interest in bridging laboratory work and clinical questions
• Ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary and multicentric team
• Excellent command of English, written and spoken

01.02.2027 or by agreement

80-100%, Fixed-term for 3 years

Department for Bio Medical Research (DBMR) Bern

• Strong research infrastructure and international network
• Team-oriented work
• Meaningful work and fair compensation
• Access to cutting-edge technology and innovation

The University of Bern not only offers exciting tasks but also an environment that actively promotes development, diversity, and equal opportunities. Discover what makes us stand out as an employer and how you can grow with us.

PD Dr. med. Dilara Akhoundova

dilara.akhoundovasanoyan