PhD Position: Clinical Pediatric Obesity Research & Cardiovascular Phenotyping

Obesity in childhood and adolescence is one of the most pressing health policy and medical challenges of our time. The dynamic introduction of modern therapies -- such as GLP-1 receptor agonists -- opens historically unique opportunities: pronounced, short-term weight changes allow for completely new clinical questions.
How do cardiovascular risk indicators and metabolic profiles change under these therapies in adolescents? What happens in the long term?

As part of our established BOCAB Register study (Biorepository of Obesity in Children and Adolescents in Bern), we conduct in-depth research into functional and structural vascular changes as well as metabolic plasticity in children and adolescents affected by obesity. For the continuation, expansion, and deeper biomarker-based analysis of this cohort, we are looking for a motivated, determined, and scientifically enthusiastic personality. As a PhD candidate, you will form the heart of everything from recruitment to clinical data collection to the scientific evaluation of our cohort.

What awaits you

• Independent recruitment and performance of specialized cardiovascular examinations (including pulse wave velocity, A. carotid intima-media thickness in close cooperation with cardiology. This also includes the evaluation of novel, optical blood pressure sensors)
• Preparation and accompaniment of blood sample analyses regarding translational metabolomics and proteomics questions
• Individual, empathetic, and flexible care of our young patients and their families throughout the entire course of the study. A high degree of determination, organizational talent, and decisiveness is required here
• Writing of at least 2 first-author and 1-2 co-authorship publications within the framework of the structured PhD project, as well as presentations of further abstracts and publications at national and international congresses

What you bring with you

• Completed studies in human medicine with 1 to 2 years of clinical experience, ideally in pediatrics or internal medicine
• You are characterized by a high degree of personal responsibility, self-efficacy, and determination, but combine this with humility, scientific logic, and pronounced empathy in dealing with patients
• German or Swiss German as a native language is mandatory
• Good French skills for patient contracts as well as very good English skills for scientific writing are required
• Strong interest in quantitative data analysis. Previous knowledge or a high affinity for data analysis with R (RStats) is expressly desired
• Excellent time and self-management in coordinating clinical processes and complex data streams

Our offer

• Full PhD program at the GSHS of the University of Bern incl. methodology curriculum and regular mentoring
• A highly topical research field with direct impact on the care of children and adolescents with obesity
• Excellent publication prospects (3-4 publications as first or second authorship realistic) and active involvement in national/international networks
• Closest cooperation between endocrinology/diabetology, cardiology, and specialized central laboratories at university hospitals nationally and internationally
• Close, continuous, and personal scientific supervision
• According to the official guidelines of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF)

Questions about the position?

Further information will be gladly provided by

PD Dr. med. Christoph Saner, MD PhD
Head of Pediatric Obesity Clinic
Pediatric Endocrinology / Diabetology / Metabolism

+41 31 63 2 63 90