PhD or MD PhD position in human skin immunology
100 %

University Hospital of Berne, Department of Dermatology
Start: Entry as of November 1, 2025, or upon agreement, temporary for 4 years

The laboratory of the Department of Dermatology is focused on the study of human Thelper cells and their role in inflammatory skin disease. We aim to better understand the mechanisms of skin inflammation and to create new therapeutic strategies.

What you can expect
Skin T cells play a central role in protecting the body, but their dysregulated activation drives chronic inflammatory skin disease. Current treatments suppress inflammation, yet rarely provide long-term cure. To develop curative therapies, we need to understand the upstream mechanisms that sustain inflammation, such as the interleukin-18 (IL-18) pathway.
Recent findings suggest that IL-18 plays a crucial role in atopic dermatitis (AD). Therefore, we aim to address:

• IL-18-responsive immune cells across blood and lesional AD skin
• The inflammatory cytokine milieu shaped by IL-18
• The neutralization of IL-18 as a therapeutic strategy for AD

You will work with primary human T cells from PBMCs and skin, using flow cytometry, transcriptomic profiling (single-cell RNA sequencing), multiplex cytokine assays, and human skin explant models to clarify IL-18’s role and therapeutic potential in AD.
Your Profile

• European academic degree in natural sciences (MSc) acceptable for matriculation at a Swiss University
• Fluent in English
• Dedicated to science and academia
• Theoretical & practical skills in immunology, molecular, & cellular biology

What we offer

• Our team offers a dynamic and aspiring translational research environment
• Close collaborations with local and international laboratories guarantees access to state-of-the-art know-how and infrastructure

Contact
For further information, please contact:
Prof. Dr. med. Dr. phil. Christoph Schlapbach, Professor of Department of Dermatology
E-mail christoph.schlapbach@ insel.ch

Your application should include:

• Curriculum vitae with a brief description of laboratory experience

We look forward to receiving your complete
online application
via the "Apply now" button.