Postdoc (Ph.D.) in biochemistry / molecular biology

We are studying the production and role of inflammatory cytokines, growth and neurogenic factors in the pritoneal cavity and uterine tissue in women suffering from endometriosis, abdominal pain, and infertility. Endometriosis is a prevalent, inflammatory and often painful disease characterised by the implantation and growth of endometrial epithelial and stromal cells outside the uterine cavity. These cells continue to respond to hormones, and the effects of (anti-) hormonal treatment are investigated. After the menopause the symptoms usually disappear, but an increased incidence of certain ovarian cancers in endometriotic women has been reported. We are therefore also studying cancer markers in women with the disease as well as and the pathways occurring in endometriotic cells during their potential transformation from a benign state to malignancy.

The successful candidate will work in and later supervise a small research laboratory, linked to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Inselspital.
Techniques will include the running and development of immunoassays, cell and tissue culture, Western blotting; PCR and related molecular biological techniques.

We do NOT work with laboratory animals.

Our requirements:

• Recently obtained Ph.D . degree in biochemistry, cell or molecular biology;
• Experience in current modern research laboratory techniques: immunoassays, cell and tissue culture, Western blotting; PCR and related molecular biological techniques;
• Perfect command of written and spoken English - knowledge of French and/or (Swiss) German is an advantage but not required;
• Capability to work in a small team.