Interdisciplinary PhD position in
space sciences and cancer research
100%
Would you like to explore whether we are alone in the universe while contributing to improving cancer surgery techniques?
The Centre for Space and Habitability (CSH, www.csh.unibe.ch) and the ARTORG Centre for Biomedical Engineering Research (www.artorg.unibe.ch) at the University of Bern (Switzerland) invite applications for an interfaculty PhD position in space sciences and cancer research. The successful candidate will be hosted both in the Exoplanets and Origins of Life research group (www.saintex.unibe.ch) at the CSH (Faculty of Sciences) and in the new Medical Sensing Laboratory at ARTORG (Faculty of Medicine).
The PhD project will focus on developing novel instrumentation that will be employed in cancer surgery and for a future space mission design to search for life in the Solar System. The project entails the conception, building, validation of a novel compact sensor head able to analyse the full state of polarisation of an incoming beam of light at multiple wavelengths. The corresponding technique, called spectro-polarimetry, has shown great promise for detecting the margins of pancreatic tumours and enabling access to unambiguous biosignatures to search for life beyond the Earth. Initial implementations are foreseen on endoscopes and satellite payloads. The successful candidate will be involved in the medical operation and scientific exploitation of these new devices.
The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team with expertise spanning cancer research, tissue pathology, medical imaging, computer science, robotics as well as astrophysics, planetary science, microbiology and engineering. The new group member will be involved in the intellectual life of the two interdisciplinary centres and benefit from the existing synergies.
The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team with expertise spanning cancer research, tissue pathology, medical imaging, computer science, robotics as well as astrophysics, planetary science, microbiology and engineering. The new group member will be involved in the intellectual life of the two interdisciplinary centres and benefit from the existing synergies.
Profile
We are looking for a creative and motivated candidate, a team player, with a strong interest in instrumentation. A MSc degree in engineering, biomedicine, optics, physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology or computer science is required. Expertise in numerical modelling and optics (in particular polarisation) is an asset but not mandatory. Excellent oral and written skills in English are a requirement.
What we offer
The position will be based at two locations in Bern, 15-minutes' walk from each other: the Centre for Space and Habitability, which investigates planetary habitability through interdisciplinary research, and the ARTORG Centre, which develops new healthcare technologies to address unmet clinical needs. The city of Bern is well known for its quality of life, cultural richness and beautiful surroundings offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
The position is funded for 4 years. The annual salary is competitive and there is ample funding for travel, publications and computing resources. Child allowance and maternity/paternity leave are included.
The University of Bern is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Individuals from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.
The position is funded for 4 years. The annual salary is competitive and there is ample funding for travel, publications and computing resources. Child allowance and maternity/paternity leave are included.
The University of Bern is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Individuals from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.
Application
Please address queries about the position to Prof. Dr. Brice-Olivier Demory (brice-olivier.demory@unibe.ch).
Applications are invited from all nationalities and should consist of 1) a 2-page cover letter detailing your interest in joining the group and in the PhD topic, 2) a CV, 3) transcripts of your grades of courses obtained during your bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as 4) contact details for two references to whom recommendation letters will be requested for shortlisted candidates.
Application materials should be submitted in a single PDF file to info.csh@unibe.ch with the mention "Interfaculty PhD position" in the subject line. The review of the applications will start immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
The expected start date is 1 September 2025, or upon agreement.
Application materials should be submitted in a single PDF file to info.csh@unibe.ch with the mention "Interfaculty PhD position" in the subject line. The review of the applications will start immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
The expected start date is 1 September 2025, or upon agreement.
