PhD student in Veterinary Clinical Radiology and Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland

PhD student in Veterinary Clinical Radiology and Anatomy 100%

The Division of Clinical Radiology is part of the Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland with three major tasks: teaching, research and diagnostic service. As of March 2022 or by arrangement, the research group of Dr. Elke Van der Vekens in cooperation with the Division of Veterinary Anatomy is seeking a PhD student. This position is funded for three years.

Job description

Our research focusses on the development of techniques that allow the use of cadavers as a model for post-mortem angiography. For the detailed evaluation of these techniques, we work in close cooperation with the Division of Veterinary Anatomy, led by Prof. Sabine Kaessmeyer. Her expertise is in the morphological investigation of blood vessel development (angiogenesis) in vivo and in vitro. The PhD position we offer, consists of the development of a post-mortem magnetic resonance angiography protocol in equine distal limbs, its application in diseased limbs as well as the histologic correlation with the imaging findings in the scanned specimen. To a maximum of 20%, participation in clinical service and teaching is expected.

Requirements

We are looking for an ambitious, enthusiastic and highly motivated candidate with an academic degree in veterinary medicine acceptable for matriculation at a Swiss University (Bologna compatible). The candidate should be proactive, have good communication skills and possess attitude to work in a team as well as independently. Good written and spoken knowledge of English is expected; German is of advantage, but not essential. The ideal candidate has a background in veterinary imaging, specifically MRI, and an interest in equine medicine as well as histology.

Our offer

Our group offers a project in a young and dynamic environment. Apart from the joined projects with the Division of Veterinary Anatomy, we have stimulating clinical and research co-operations with the equine, small animal and ruminant clinics. In addition, we established connections with the human Institute of Anatomy and the Translational Imaging Centre of Bern University and human University Centre of Legal Medicine (CURML) in Lausanne.

A modern 3T MRI unit, accessible for both small and large animals, is present onsite, as well as dedicated radiography, ultrasonography and computed tomography equipment. A clinical 7T MRI unit and a microCT unit are available nearby.
The student will be enrolled to the Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern (www.gcb.unibe.ch). Salary will be according to the guidelines of the Swiss National Science Foundation (www.snf.ch).

Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is located near the Swiss Alps and well connected to many European cities (Zurich, Milan, Paris, Munich).

For further information, please contact Dr. Elke Van der Vekens (elke.vandervekens@vetsuisse.unibe.ch). The review of applications starts in March 2022 and applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found. Please send your CV including a list of publications, a motivational letter with statement of your research interests, transcripts of university diplomas with grades and two references (letters & contact information) as a single PDF- document via email to Dr. Elke Van der Vekens.