Head of Dermatopathology

The University Clinic for Dermatology at Inselspital Bern is one of the most renowned dermatology clinics in Switzerland. Dermatopathology plays a key role: as a link between clinical diagnostics, therapy, teaching, and research, our accredited laboratory performs more than 20,000 skin specimen analyses annually – from routine examinations to immunohistochemical analyses and complex molecular pathological diagnostics in close collaboration with the Clinical Genomics Laboratory of Inselspital. The laboratory is also recognised as an ICDP training centre and considers the promotion of medical junior staff a matter of course. We are seeking a diagnostically skilled, scientifically committed individual with a passion for shaping this unit.

What to expect

• Overall management of the Dermatopathology Department in professional, personnel, and economic terms.
• Personnel management of a multiprofessional team: dermatopathologists, laboratory staff (BMA, laboratory assistants), and administration – including employee discussions, development planning, and recruitment.
• Budget and resource responsibility: cost centre management, economic control, investment planning, and participation in service billing.
• Independent reporting across the entire spectrum of dermatological histopathology – including immunohistochemical and molecular pathological diagnostics.
• Regular presentation of histological findings in clinical-pathological conferences and the interdisciplinary skin tumour board.
• Driver of digital transformation: introduction and further development of digital pathology workflows (Whole Slide Imaging, AI-supported diagnostic assistance), LIS optimisation, and interface design with clinical information systems.
• Strategic development of the laboratory: introduction of new methods, process optimisation, ensuring ICDP accreditation.
• Close collaboration with the dermatological outpatient clinic and the Clinical Genomics Laboratory of the University of Bern.
• Responsibility for teaching, continuing education, and supervision of assistant doctors and students in dermatopathology.
• Initiation, leadership, and promotion of research projects involving dermatopathology.

Your profile

• FMH specialist title in Dermatology and Venereology with a focus on Dermatopathology.
• ICDP diploma (International Board Certification in Dermatopathology) obtained.
• Several years of experience in independent histopathological diagnostics; initial leadership experience in a senior role is an advantage.
• Willingness to take on personnel responsibility for an interdisciplinary team of physicians, BMA, and laboratory assistants.
• Basic understanding of business administration: experience with budget responsibility, performance management, and resource planning.
• Affinity for digitalisation: experience with digital pathology, LIS systems, or AI-supported applications.
• Interest in the further development of diagnostic methods and the interface to molecular pathology.
• Scientific curiosity and proven own research activity or a clear academic development plan.
• Enjoyment in training and promoting assistant doctors.
• Fluent German and English, both spoken and written; knowledge of French is welcome.
• Analytical precision, personal responsibility, and a reliable, collegial manner.

Our offer

• Leadership role with scope for design: you actively shape the direction, team, and processes of the department.
• Digitalisation: opportunity to set standards with the introduction of digital pathology.
• Unique case spectrum: around 20,000 specimens annually, including many rare and complex cases.
• Established laboratory for internal and external submitters and a well-coordinated team of xxx laboratory technicians.
• Academic perspective: own research lines, international networking.
• ICDP training centre: you actively shape the dermatopathological junior staff of Switzerland.
• Attractive employment conditions (staff restaurant, family-friendly working time models, time for further training).
• Location Bern: high quality of life, excellent transport connections, international environment.

Questions about the position?

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. med. Dr. phil. nat. Christoph Schlapbach, Clinic Director and Chief Physician

christoph.schlapbach@insel.ch