PhD student position at the Regenerative Medicine Technologies Lab, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences at USI Università della Svizzera italiana
USI is a young and lively university, a hub of opportunity open to the world where students are offered a quality interdisciplinary education. Established in 1996, USI is in constant evolution, remaining true to its guiding principles: quality, openness, and responsibility.
The Regenerative Medicine Technologies (RMT) Lab is part of the Laboratories for Translational Research of Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale located in Bellinzona (Switzerland). Strategic research areas of the RMT Lab include in vitro disease modeling through biofabrication, design of novel technologies for drug screening, and personalized medicine applications using human tissue biopsies.
The RMT Lab invites applications for a fully funded Ph.D. position in Biomedical Sciences for conducting research in the project entitled “A high-throughput microphysiological platform to analyze the role of the aging human vasculature in melanoma metastases.”
The Project
The lab has recently received funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation. The 4-year project will identify biological mechanisms driving the formation and progression of metastases in the presence of aging blood vessels, aiming to identify translational opportunities to block this process.
The project involves biofabrication of 3D microvascular networks, their integration with high-throughput culture systems, and analysis of blood vessel-cancer cell interactions through next-gen sequencing techniques and high-content screening.
The lab has access to cutting-edge facilities, which are shared with the Institute for Research in Biomedicine and the Institute of Oncology Research within a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and collaborative environment.
The Ph.D. Position
The doctoral student will be enrolled in the PhD track in Biomedical Sciences under the supervision of Prof. Simone Bersini. The successful candidate will work in a dynamic research team, participate in various research streams, and present papers at scientific conferences.
Candidates’ Profile
Ideal candidates should satisfy the following requirements:
1. A Master (or equivalent title) in Life Sciences or related disciplines, with a preference for Vascular Biology or Cancer Biology background.
2. High personal interest in organ-on-a-chip, 3D (bio)printing, and microfabrication.
3. Experience with cell culture, imaging, and standard biological techniques.
4. Good skills in oral and written English.
5. Self-motivation and commitment to experimental goals.
6. Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently and in a team.
7. Critical data analysis and troubleshooting capabilities.
8. Interest in teaching and tutoring students.
Contract Terms
Admission to the Ph.D. program is highly competitive, based on the candidate’s background and potential for academic achievement. The successful candidates will work as research assistants at the RMT Lab and interact with an international network of collaborators. Starting date is March 1, 2025. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
The Application
Applications should contain: (1) a letter describing research interests, (2) a complete CV, (3) copies of relevant diplomas and transcripts, (4) an electronic version of a research work with a short summary, and (5) two references.
Please send your application in electronic form to simone.bersini@eoc.ch (subject: PhD-Aging).
USI strives to be an equal opportunity and family-friendly employer, encouraging applications from women and individuals from underrepresented groups.
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