PhD Position in Tumor Radiobiology of Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy

The Institute of Anatomy at the University of Bern is part of the Faculty of Medicine and plays a pivotal role in research and education. With responsibilities in the study programmes of Human Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, and Veterinary Medicine, the institute hosts ten independent but highly collaborative research groups. These groups focus on biomedical research in diverse fields such as Developmental Biology and Regeneration, Immunobiology, Angiogenesis, Cancer, and Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy.

Dr. Cristian Fernandez-Palomo is offering an exciting opportunity for a PhD candidate to join our interdisciplinary team and work on tumor biology and immune modulation in sub-millimeter Spatially Fractionated Radiotherapy (sub-mm SFRT) as part of the MIRACLE project. Sub-mm SFRT is an innovative radiotherapy technique that uses spatially modulated radiation beams, including microbeams and minibeams, at sub-millimeter scales. This method creates distinct regions of high and low doses (peaks and valleys), enabling precise tumor targeting while preserving surrounding healthy tissues. Beyond its tumor-localizing effects, sub-mm SFRT has the potential to revolutionize radiation oncology by triggering systemic immune activation and inducing unique vascular changes, contributing to improved tumor control and enhanced treatment outcomes.

The MIRACLE project, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (grant number: 10002984), brings together leading experts in radiation oncology, biology, and medical physics. It aims to translate breakthroughs in microbeam and minibeam radiation therapy into clinically viable systems, leveraging immune activation and vascular modulation to enhance tumor control while protecting healthy tissues. Collaborating with international partners, the project integrates advanced technologies to transform clinical radiotherapy.

Tasks

• Investigate tumor control mechanisms in sub-mm SFRT by conducting detailed tumor growth delay and survival studies in animal models.
• Assess tumor control probability (TCP) in preclinical models by analyzing dose-response relationships, tumor recurrence rates, and deriving iso-effective tumor control curves.
• Evaluate the role of immune system activation in tumor control, focusing on immune cell infiltration and changes in tumor immunogenicity.
• Analyze vascular effects of sub-mm SFRT, including permeability, perfusion, and morphological alterations, using advanced imaging and molecular techniques.
• Perform transcriptional profiling to identify pathways involved in immune modulation, vascular response, and direct tumor cell damage.
• Use flow cytometry, histopathological analysis, and in vivo imaging to characterize the tumor microenvironment.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary experts in radiobiology, oncology, and immunology to refine sub-mm SFRT configurations for clinical translation.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, molecular biology, biology, biochemistry, immunology, radiation biology, genetics or related discipline.
• Experience in preclinical tumor models is a must.
• Experience in tumor immunology is highly desired.
• Experience studying vascular effects in general is desired.
• Experience with flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, other laboratory techniques is a must.
• Experience working with radiation is an asset but not mandatory.
• Familiarity with radiation dose-response studies and molecular pathway investigations is an asset.
• Proficiency in English as it will be the main language of communication.
• Speaking German is an asset.

We offer

• A fully funded 4-year PhD position with a competitive salary based on the Swiss National Science Foundation scale ( www.snf.ch') ).
• An inspiring and supportive research environment with state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities for collaboration and continuous education.
• The chance to present your results at international conferences.
• Engagement in an interdisciplinary, international, and dynamic team comprising biologists, physicists, and medical doctors.
• A safe, inclusive, and supportive research environment that values diversity and welcomes minorities.
• Equal opportunities provided by the University of Bern, with a strong commitment to diversity and excellence.

Interested?
For further questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Cristian Fernandez-Palomo (Write an email).

Application Package
Only complete applications, with the following documents, will be considered:
1. Curriculum Vitae, including list of publications.
2. Letter of Motivation, detailing your suitability for this position. Focus on describing your previous research experience, including an overview of your techniques, methods that you have used in previous research work.
3. Copy of master’s degree Certificate.
4. Two reference letters.

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