PhD Position in Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism (13691-RE-213-2026

PhD Position in Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism

The
Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetologyand Obesity Unit
is seeking a full-time PhD Research Fellow for a 3 year fixed-term contract,with the possibility of one year renewal.

The expected starting date is November 1, 2026.

The Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) is one of Switzerland’s five university hospitals. Through its close collaboration with the Faculty of Biology and Medicine at the University of Lausanne and EPFL, CHUV plays a leading role in medical care, research, and education.

The doctoral candidate will conduct research within the national prospective multicenter cohort investigating the physiological, biological and radiological short-term effects of gender-affirming hormonal treatment in transgender and gender diverse adolescents with a special attention on gonads and cardiovascular functions.

The doctoral candidate will contribute to two complementary research aims.

• To characterize longitudinal physiological changes following hormonal treatment
• To investigate the biological mechanisms underlying sex-specific cardiometabolic adaptations following hormonal treatment

This PhD project will address these aims using a prospective multicenter observational cohort conducted in Switzerland. The candidate will participate in all phases of the project from patient inclusion through publication of scientific results. No clinical work is required.

Clinical Research

• Contribute to the coordination and organization of a clinical research project, in collaboration with the data manager and other doctoral students.
• Participate in organization of study visits and ensure informed consent procedures
• Monitor participant follow-up

Data Management

• Take an active role in data collection
• Prepare datasets for analysis
• Participate in data monitoring activities

Statistical and Scientific Analyses

• Longitudinal endocrine and cardiometabolic outcomes
• Mixed-effects modelling, multivariable analyses and bio-informatic analyses

Scientific Communication

• Peer-reviewed publications
• Present results at national and international conferences
• Contribute to grant reports

Collaboration with

• Pediatric endocrinologists and clinical research team
• Statisticians and bioinformaticians

• Strong motivation for translational clinical research and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary teamwork
• Initiative and the ability to work independently, as well as strong organizational skills
• Scientific curiosity and critical thinking skills
• Rigour
• Fluent spoken and written English skills
• Basic knowledge of human endocrine physiology concepts
• Willingness to learn biostatistics and computational approaches
• Knowledge of French and/or German (to understand patients files in national language)

Prior experience in omics data analysis, bioinformatics, statistical analyses (R or STATA) is advantageous but not required.

• Participation in a Swiss national multicentre cohort
• Close supervision by experts in pediatric endocrinology and translational medicine
• Presentation at international conferences
• Publication in high-impact peer-reviewed journals

The doctoral student will receive advanced training in:

• Pediatric Endocrinology and Gender-affirming care
• Longitudinal cohort studies and methodology (Database management, data analysis)
• Multi-omics integration
• Statistical software (R or STATA)
• Scientific communication
• Grant writing
• Access to international conferences, training courses and professional development opportunitie

• A highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment at the interface of immunology, bioengineering, and clinical research
• Close interaction with leading research groups at EPFL and CHUV
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technologies
• Opportunities for advanced scientific training, transferable skill development, and participation in international conferences
• First-rate social benefits such as a Paternity Leave of 20 days and a Maternity Leave of 4 months (there is also the possibility to obtain a complementary breastfeeding leave of 1 month)
• A right to at least three days of…