PhD or MD PhD in Human Skin Immunology

About the role

The laboratory of Prof. Christoph Schlapbach (Department of Dermatology, Inselspital Bern, University of Bern) studies how human T helper cells drive inflammatory skin disease and how these mechanisms can be targeted therapeutically. The project focuses on psoriasis, where tissue-resident memory TH17 cells persist after resolution and drive relapse; recent work shows that activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) reprograms human memory T cells and restrains TH17 responses. The PhD will define how metabolic pathways regulate the persistence and pathogenicity of skin-resident memory T cells and explore metabolic reprogramming as a route to durable disease control.

Key responsibilities

• Isolate and functionally characterise human memory T-cell subsets
• Use multi-parameter flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting
• Apply CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and RNA interference
• Perform metabolic phenotyping with Seahorse extracellular flux analysis
• Generate bulk, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics data
• Maintain human skin explant culture models
• Analyse data with immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and bioinformatics
• Collaborate closely with and be supported by senior scientists and clinicians
• Supervise Master's students and present research at national and international conferences

Required profile

• Degree in natural sciences (MSc) acceptable for matriculation at a Swiss University
• Fluency in English, oral and written
• Dedication to science and academia, academic excellence and a proactive, self-driven approach
• Admission to the Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern

Required skills

• Immunology, molecular and cellular biology
• Flow cytometry, CRISPR/Cas9, RNA interference, Seahorse analysis
• Transcriptomics and bioinformatics

What we offer

• A high-impact research project with access to state-of-the-art facilities
• Wage and salary payments during illness or accident (100% in the first year, 80% in the second), plus full daily sickness benefit insurance premium
• Child, education and family allowances
• Training and further education, with support for professional progression
• Opportunities to attend international conferences and build an academic network