PhD Candidate in Neuropaediatrics/ Stroke Science

PhD candidate in Neuropaediatrics/ Stroke Science
100 %

University Clinic for Pediatrics
Start of employment: from 01.01.2026 or by arrangement
The position is limited to 3 years

Stroke in children is a rare but very impactful event for the child and family. The causes are diverse and differ from stroke in adults. Nevertheless, due to the lack of studies, therapy decisions today must largely be extrapolated from adult studies. We are conducting an SNF-sponsored international multicenter study "investigator initiated treatment trial" in children with a subtype of childhood stroke - also the PASTA trial ( www.pasta-trial.ch '))

Children with acute stroke as a result of a focal arteriopathy of the inflammatory type (FCA-i) are randomized into 2 groups: a therapy group with high-dose steroids in the acute phase combined with "standard of care" and a group with "standard of care only". The children are followed for one year with clinical-neurological and neuropsychological follow-up examinations as well as magnetic resonance imaging. Telephone interviews for a blinded outcome are also conducted by the PASTA core team from Bern. The primary question is whether such high-dose steroid therapy has a positive effect on residual arteriopathy and/or long-term consequences for the children. So far, we have recruited 29 children and hope to complete recruitment by the end of 2027. The study is conducted at various centers in Switzerland, Great Britain, France, Germany, Austria, Denmark, and Australia. More centers will be included. Learn more about the study here: https://www.pasta-trial.ch/ ')

• As a PhD candidate, you will be actively involved in study coordination (initiating new centers, supporting various local study teams, monitoring compliance with regulatory requirements).
• Your task will be to conduct the various telephone interviews with the patients' parents.
• One month after the last child is enrolled, we will begin data analysis and preparation of publications - you will also collaborate and be able to appear as an author.

• You have an exceptional interest in international cooperation.
• You want to expand your knowledge in the neurological and especially cerebrovascular field.
• You are interested in mastering the requirements of an international treatment study with all regulatory aspects according to the "Good Clinical Practice" standard.
• You are well organized and planned, skilled in communication, cooperative, and have a high willingness to learn.
• You have very good language skills in German and English as well as French. Additional languages needed in the study are an advantage.