PhD Student
Start Date
01.03.2026
or later
or later
Employment Relationship
100%, 36-48 months
Institution / Workplace
Department of Pediatrics University of Bern
With us, you create value.
For yourself and for society.
For yourself and for society.
About us
The Flück group offers multiple research opportunities for PhD candidates in the context of (pediatric) molecular endocrinology, steroid hormone (cell) biology and metabolic regulation, biochemistry and bioinformatics with translational aspects to clinical research. The offered position is based in the Department of Pediatrics and the DBMR Department for Biomedical Research at the University of Bern, Switzerland.The aim of the SNF-funded project “DSDgene” is to understand mechanisms regulating human sex development in health and disease states. With multi-omics approaches we will investigate index cases and families with genetically unresolved differences of sex development (DSD) and perform cell-based studies in order to understand underlying mechanisms.
The aim of the SNF-funded project “DSDgene” is to understand mechanisms regulating human sex development in health and disease states. With multi-omics approaches we will investigate index cases and families with genetically unresolved differences of sex development (DSD) and perform cell-based studies in order to understand underlying mechanisms.
Your PhD project
- Genetic analysis: Perform and analyze short-read whole-exome sequencing and, where required, long-read sequencing in selected individuals and families with genetically unresolved DSD.
- Variant discovery: Identify, prioritize, and interpret novel candidate variants contributing to unresolved DSD cases.
- Data integration: Integrate genomic data with detailed clinical and phenotypic information to investigate genotype–phenotype correlations.
- Support and preparation of scientific reports and journal articles
Requirements
- A Master's degree in Genetics, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, or a related field.
- Strong interest in molecular biology, rare diseases, human development, and translational research.
- Experience in molecular genetics, NGS data analysis, or biostatistics is an advantage.
- Prior expertise or interest in programming languages (R, Python) or bioinformatics.
- Excellent organizational and communicational skills and the ability to work in a collaborative international research environment.
Your Benefits
- Access to cutting-edge technology and innovation
- International reputation
- High degree of creative freedom in an academic setting
- Healthy corporate culture and good working atmosphere
Working at the University of Bern
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.
Application and Contact
Please address your application to Chrysanthi Kouri at University of Bern by February 27, 2026 by providing a single PDF including the following documents:
Application deadline: 27/02/2026
- cover/motivation letter
- complete curriculum vitae
- names and email addresses of at least two referees
- PDF of publication(s).
Application deadline: 27/02/2026