PhD Candidate in Forensic Toxicology January 2026

PhD candidate in Forensic Toxicology
January 2026

Alcohol consumption markers such as phosphatidylethanol, ethyl glucuronide, and ethyl sulfate have been researched for several years and in various collaborative projects in the Department of Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry (FTC) under the direction of Prof. Weinmann.

For the new potential alcohol marker EtoChoP (ethylated phosphorylcholine), basic research is to be conducted as part of a dissertation, e.g., on its formation, detection in body fluids and hair, stability, elimination, specificity, and selectivity.

• Use of mass spectrometric methods (LC-MS/MS, QToF-MS/MS) for the new potential alcohol biomarker EtoChoP (ethylated phosphorylcholine)
• Development and validation of detection methods with LC-MS/MS
• Determination of EtoChoP with LC-MS/MS in sample material from drinking trials and from alcohol withdrawal and detoxification therapies
• Investigation of the enzymatic formation of EtoChoP by lipases
• Preparation of a (cumulative) dissertation
• Publications and presentations (at national and international conferences)

• Completed master's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacy, or equivalent
• Interest in collaboration with medical departments (e.g., Inselspital)
• Supervision of two to three master's students in own research area
• Participation in projects of the working group related to forensic toxicology
• Good English skills for writing scientific publications and presentations
• Willingness to contribute to forensic toxicological routine work and possibly report preparation (max. 10% of the activity)

• PhD within the Graduate School of Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (3 years)
• Further training (core competencies and toxicology)
• Integration into a dynamic team with workplace in the new laboratory building