The Institute of Anatomy at the University of Bern is part of the Faculty of Medicine and plays a pivotal role in research and education. With responsibilities in the study programmes of Human Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, and Veterinary Medicine, the institute hosts ten independent but highly collaborative research groups. These groups focus on biomedical research in diverse fields such as Developmental Biology and Regeneration, Immunobiology, Angiogenesis, Cancer, and Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy.

Dr. Cristian Fernandez-Palomo is offering an exciting opportunity for a PhD candidate to join our interdisciplinary team and work on normal tissue toxicity in sub-millimeter Spatially Fractionated Radiotherapy (sub-mm SFRT) as part of the MIRACLE project. Sub-mm SFRT is an innovative radiotherapy technique that uses spatially modulated radiation beams, including microbeams and minibeams, at sub-millimeter scales. This method creates distinct regions of high and low doses (peaks and valleys), enabling precise tumor targeting while preserving surrounding healthy tissues. Moreover, sub-mm SFRT has the potential to revolutionize radiation oncology by triggering activation of the immune system and inducing unique vascular effects, which contribute to enhanced tumor control and improved normal tissue preservation.

The MIRACLE project, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (grant number: 10002984), brings together leading experts in radiation oncology, biology, and medical physics. It aims to translate breakthroughs in microbeam and minibeam radiation therapy into clinically viable systems, leveraging immune activation and vascular modulation to enhance tumor control while protecting healthy tissues. Collaborating with international partners, the project integrates advanced technologies to transform clinical radiotherapy.

Tasks

• Conduct toxicity studies to establish safe valley and peak dose thresholds for various sub-mm SFRT configurations.
• Perform acute toxicity assessments in animal models, focusing on skin and vascular responses.
• Utilize fractionated Conv-RT techniques as a baseline to compare sub-mm SFRT outcomes and establish Biologically Effective Doses (BED).
• Investigate dose-response relationships by conducting systematic dose escalation studies for valley and peak doses.
• Collaborate with experts in radiation biology, medical physics, and clinical oncology to translate sub-mm SFRT into therapeutic applications.

Requirements

• Master's degree in biomedical sciences, molecular biology, biology, biochemistry, immunology, radiation biology, genetics or related discipline.
• Experience working with in mice models is a must.
• Experience working with the Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) model is desired.
• Experience working with radiation is highly desired.
• Experience with normal tissue radiotoxicity is highly desired.
• Experience studying vascular effects in general is desired.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques including histopathological analysis, cytokine profiling, functional assays, immunohistochemistry, and imaging techniques for tissue damage assessment.
• Proficiency in English as it will be the main language of communication.
• Speaking German is an asset.

We offer

• A fully funded 4-year PhD position with a competitive salary based on the Swiss National Science Foundation scale (www.snf.ch).
• An inspiring and supportive research environment with state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities for collaboration and continuous education.
• The chance to present your results at international conferences.
• Engagement in an interdisciplinary, international, and dynamic team comprising biologists, physicists, and medical doctors.
• A safe, inclusive, and supportive research environment that values diversity and welcomes minorities.
• Equal opportunities provided by the University of Bern, with a strong commitment to diversity and excellence.

Interested?

For further questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Cristian Fernandez-Palomo (cristian.fernandez@unibe.ch).

Application Package
Only complete applications, with the following documents, will be considered:
1. Curriculum Vitae, including list of publications.
2. Letter of Motivation, detailing your suitability for this position. Focus on describing your previous research experience, including an overview of your techniques, methods that you have used in previous research work.
3. Copy of master's degree Certificate.
4. Two reference letters.

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