PhD Position: Clinical Paediatric Obesity Research & Cardiovascular Phenotyping

Obesity in childhood and adolescence is one of the most urgent health policy and medical challenges of our time. The dynamic introduction of modern therapies - such as GLP-1 receptor agonists - opens historically unique opportunities: pronounced, short-term weight changes allow completely new clinical questions. How do cardiovascular risk indicators and metabolic profiles change under these therapies in adolescents? What happens in the long term? Within the framework of our established BOCAB registry study (Biorepository of Obesity in Children and Adolescents in Bern), we conduct in-depth research on the functional and structural vascular changes as well as the metabolic plasticity in children and adolescents affected by obesity. For the continuation, expansion, and deeper biomarker-based analysis of this cohort, we are looking for a motivated, determined, and scientifically enthusiastic individual. As a PhD candidate, you will be the core from recruitment to clinical data collection to scientific evaluation of our cohort.

What to expect

• Independent recruitment and execution of specialised cardiovascular examinations (including pulse wave velocity, carotid artery intima-media thickness in close cooperation with cardiology. This also includes the evaluation of novel optical blood pressure sensors)
• Preparation and support of analyses of blood samples regarding translational metabolomics and proteomics questions
• Individual, empathetic, and flexible care of our young patients and their families throughout the entire study period. A high degree of determination, organisational talent, and assertiveness is expected here
• Writing at least 2 first-author and 1-2 co-author publications within the structured PhD project as well as presenting further abstracts and publications at national and international congresses

What you bring

• Completed studies in human medicine with 1 to 2 years of clinical experience, ideally in paediatrics or internal medicine
• You are characterised by a high degree of personal responsibility, self-efficacy, and determination, but combine this with humility, scientific logic, and pronounced empathy in dealing with patients
• German or Swiss German as a native language is mandatory
• Good French skills for patient contracts as well as very good English skills for scientific writing are required
• Strong interest in quantitative data analysis. Prior knowledge or a strong affinity for data analysis with R (RStats) is expressly desired
• Excellent time and self-management in coordinating clinical processes and complex data flows

Our offer

• Full PhD programme at the GSHS of the University of Bern including a methods curriculum and regular mentoring
• A highly topical research field with direct impact on the care of children and adolescents with obesity
• Excellent publication prospects (3-4 publications as first or second author realistic) and active involvement in national/international networks
• Close collaboration between endocrinology/diabetology, cardiology, and specialised central laboratories at university hospitals nationally and internationally
• Close, continuous, and personal scientific supervision
• According to the official guidelines of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)

Questions about the position?

Further information is gladly provided by PD Dr. med. Christoph Saner, MD PhD Head of the Paediatric Obesity Clinic Paediatric Endocrinology / Diabetology / Metabolism

+41 31 63 2 63 90