PhD position in neuroinflammation research

We offer a PhD position (Early Stage Researcher) for three years to undertake research in neuroinflammation. This research is supported by the Marie Curie Initial Training Network (ITN) “nEUROinflammation” within the EU Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (2007-2013). The scientific goal of nEUROinflammation is to investigate inflammatory mechanisms in stroke and multiple sclerosis with a special focus on bone-marrow derived macrophages, dendritic cells, the endothelium, and microglia. A unique feature of our consortium is to combine stroke and MS research in order to release synergies between the fields and to provide PhD students with a comprehensive picture of neuroinflammation. By employing a range of experimental and translational techniques, this ITN of 16 partners in Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Finland, Poland, Netherlands, and Switzerland aims at one goal: to modulate basic neuroinflammatory mechanisms for the treatment of neurological diseases.

The PhD student will be hosted by the Theodor-Kocher-Institute, University of Bern, Switzerland. Earliest start date is the 1st March 2016. For additional job details and the main activities in the project of nEUROinflammation, please follow the link http://www.neuroinflammation.eu/projects/role-of-blood-brain-barrier-tj-proteins.html.

Description
To be eligible for this post, we expect a good master (or equivalent) degree (minimum upper second) in a relevant discipline of the life sciences (preferentially neurosciences, immunology, vascular biology, molecular or cellular biology). Research experience in one of the fields mentioned above would be advantageous. Good skills in English language are required. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as a willingness to work flexibly and travel to collaborating partners. The successful applicant will be expected to register for a PhD and will submit a high quality dissertation for examination within 3 years of his or her appointment.

The PhD student in the project will have a Personal Career Development Plan, designed with his/her supervisor at the beginning of the fellowship, covering training needs (including complementary skills) and scientific objects. The PhD student will be expected to have at least one secondment (about 30% of the time) to another collaborating partner organization.

Under the Marie Curie ITN eligibility criteria, which are put in place to encourage mobility, you must satisfy the eligibility requirements for an Early Stage Researcher (ESR) under the European Commission Framework 7 Early Stage Training Scheme:
• You have not yet been awarded the doctorate degree and you are in the first 4 years (full-time equivalent) of your career.
• At the time of recruitment, you must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc) in the country of the beneficiary partner organization for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to your recruitment. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not taken into account.

For further information on Marie Curie initial training networks including living and mobility allowances, see: ec.europa.eu/research/mariecurieactions

Type of contract: Temporary
Status: Full-time
Hours per week: 38,5