PhD or MD-PhD student in Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia epidemiology
The Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM) of Bern performs research in a range of disciplines relevant to public health (www.ispm.unibe.ch). Groups cut across divisions, facilitating an interdisciplinary approach to research in the fields of clinical epidemiology, social and behavioral health, biostatistics, and international and environmental health. The ISPM is highly reputed for its expertise in health effects of environmental exposures, the spread of infectious disease, and the health of vulnerable groups including children and the elderly.
The Child and Adolescent Health group, headed by Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Kuehni conducts population-based and clinical studies in child health. Within this group, PD. Dr. Myrofora Goutaki leads several projects on Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia, a rare multi-organ disease.
Would you like to improve knowledge about Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) and contribute to better care of people with PCD? PCD is a rare genetic disease with a prevalence of about 1 in 7, 500 that affects multiple organ systems. Almost all people with PCD have problems from the upper airways (Ear Nose Throat: ENT) e.g. recurrent episodes of otitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, and hearing impairment. These problems affect severely their everyday life; however, until recently they remained understudied. In the past 5 years, the ENT Prospective International Cohort study for people with PCD (EPIC-PCD) generated first large-scale evidence on the prevalence and severity of ENT problems. In this large collaborative project, we collect clinical and patient-reported information, using standardised and validated instruments to acquire high-quality longitudinal data. The project is ongoing and aims to understand the evolution of ENT problems over time and study, standardise, and improve care of people with PCD.
PhD or MD-PhD student in Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia epidemiology
In your PhD, you will analyse data from this large cohort study and will have an active role in managing the study under the direct supervision of a motivated project P.I., in collaboration with a large international multidisciplinary team of PCD experts as well as patient representatives. You will gain a broad understanding of epidemiological and statistical methods in observational and mixed methods studies, build-up a large professional network, present your results in international conferences, and publish them in peer-reviewed journals.
The job will prepare you for a research career in a scientific setting (University), a clinical setting (as a paediatrician, a pulmonologist, or an ENT specialist), or a public health institution, and counts as medical training in Public Health (Category A) or as research time for other medical specialties. Teaching is organised via the graduate schools of the University of Bern (www.gcb.unibe.ch and www.ghs.unibe.ch).
Applicants should have a university degree (MSc or equivalent) in medicine or applied science (biology, statistics, public health, etc.) and a strong interest in clinical research and epidemiology. You should be keen to learn statistical methods and software. The position requires fluency in both English and German. Previous clinical or research experience (e.g. paediatrics, pulmonology, or otolaryngology) is an advantage and French is an asset. The position is available from October 2024 (later dates can be negotiated). PhD salary rates of the Swiss National Science Foundation apply.
If you look for an exciting PhD position in a highly motivated team, please send your CV (including publication list if applicable) with motivation letter to Dr. Myrofora Goutaki (Write an email) by August 30th, 2024.
