Postdoctoral Position in Spatially Fractionated - Bern, Schweiz - Universität Bern

Universität Bern

Geprüftes Unternehmen

Bern, Schweiz

vor 2 Wochen

Geschrieben von:

Lena Schneider

beBee Recruiter

Beschreibung

The Institute of Anatomy of the University of Bern is part of the Faculty of Medicine and has a teaching assignment in the study programmes of Human Medicine and Dentistry, as well as Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, and Veterinary Medicine.

Eleven independent but highly cooperative working groups conduct biomedical research in the fields of Didactic Morphology, Developmental Biology and Regeneration, Immunobiology, Lung Biology, Mucociliary Clearance, Micro(angio)-CT, Microscopic Anatomy and Structural Biology, Molecular Neuroinfectiology, Nanotechnology, Angiogenesis and Cancer.

The Djonov group is exploring new treatment strategies for cancer in the field of radiation oncology, particularly microbeam radiation therapy (MRT).

MRT is an exciting form of preclinical radiation therapy that delivers spatially fractionated X-rays at dose rates orders of magnitude higher than hospital-based devices.

The highly collimated X-ray beam allows therapeutic doses to be delivered in a pattern of micrometer-wide beams that deposit very high doses (peaks), separated by regions of low doses (valleys).

The unique relationship between dose rate and geometry has proven effective in treating a variety of solid tumors that often do not respond to conventional treatments, while exceptionally sparing normal tissue.

The Djonov group's research focuses on elucidating the mechanisms that control the effects of MRT to accelerate the transition to clinical trials.

The group uses MRT for the treatment of melanoma, lung cancer, and breast cancer.

Current studies in this area also include multiple MRT regimes, a combination of MRT with gold nanoparticles and of MRT with immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

We work closely with the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble, France, and the Australian Synchrotron in Melbourne.

The key areas of MRT that our group has uncovered are:

MRT selectively destroys the vasculature of tumors
MRT induces transient vascular permeability and thus can serve as a drug delivery tool
MRT enhances the recruitment of immune cells to tumors

Tasks

The prospective postdoctoral researcher will work on the following tasks:

Work with cell lines.
Work with animals and animal tumor models.
Perform experiments using molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, western blot, immunohistochemistry, and FACS analysis).
Perform experiments with a focus on immunology and genetics.
Work with ionizing radiation (Xrays and/or protons) at conventional and ultrahigh dose rates.
Write experimental proposals to gain access to various synchrotron facilities around the world.
Write proposals to obtain approval for animal experiments.

Requirements:

PhD in biology, biochemistry, immunology, radiation biology, or genetics.
Experience in preclinical tumor models is a must.
Experience in immunology is highly desired.
Experience in genetics is highly desired.
Experience with spatially fractionated radiation therapy is an asset but not mandatory.
Proficiency in English as it will be the main language of communication.
Speaking German is an asset.

We offer

A postdoctoral position fully funded for 2 years with the possibility of prolongation based on performance.
The opportunity to run experiments at the European Synchrotron in France and at the Australian Synchrotron in Melbourne.
The opportunity to present your results in international conferences.
The opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary, international, and dynamic team of biologists, physicists, and medical doctors.
Our institute promotes research in a safe space and welcomes all minorities.
The University of Bern is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all individuals who will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the institution.
The University of Bern is committed to support young researchers and offers Initiator Grants and coaching programs among others for postdoctoral researchers.

Interested?

one PDF file to Dr. Cristian Fernandez with copy to Prof. Valentin Djonov.

Curriculum Vitae, with details about previous research experience, including an overview of techniques, methods used, and publications
Letter of motivation, detailing your interest in and suitability for this postdoctoral position
Copy of PhD Degree Certificate
Two reference letters