PhD Student

Position Overview

100% contract at the University of Bern. Start of employment: 01.03.2026 or later. Employment is fixed-term for 36–48 months.

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 Department of 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 to understand underlying mechanisms.

• Perform and analyze short-read whole-exome sequencing and, where required, long-read sequencing in selected individuals and families with genetically unresolved DSD.
• Identify, prioritize, and interpret novel candidate variants contributing to unresolved DSD cases.
• Integrate genomic data with detailed clinical and phenotypic information to investigate genotype–phenotype correlations.
• Support and prepare scientific reports and journal articles.

• 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 communication skills and the ability to work in a collaborative international research environment.

• You will follow a highly recognized PhD training program at the GCB of the University of Bern.
• You will have access to state-of-the-art research equipment in bioinformatics, metabolomics, and cell biology.
• You will work in a dynamic and interdisciplinary team.
• You will be involved in cross-disciplinary collaborations and have training opportunities to further develop and grow your scientific interests.
• Opportunity to work in close contact with other basic- and clinical-researchers within the Flück/Pandey groups at the Department of Biomedicine Research and the Department of Pediatrics.
• Support from experienced team members.

For subject-specific questions and information about the position, please contact Chrysanthi Kouri, chrysanthi.kouri.

Please address your application to Chrysanthi Kouri (chrysanthi.kouri) by providing a single PDF including the following documents:

• Cover/motivation letter
• Complete curriculum vitae
• Names and email addresses of at least two referees
• PDF of publication(s)

Final date to receive applications: 20/02/2026

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