PhD Student Position in Vascular Inflammation and Lipid Signaling (LipidBRIGHT Consortium)

The Department of Angiology at the University of Bern, in collaboration with the Department of Biomedical Research (DBMR), offers a PhD student position as part of the LipidBRIGHT Consortium, a European Doctoral Network dedicated to advancing vascular medicine. The research group 'Translational Angiology', led by Prof. Dr. med. Yvonne Döring, focuses on the cellular and immunological mechanisms underlying vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, which is a major cause of lower extremity arterial disease, heart attack, and stroke. Lipids play a crucial role in cell membranes, energy metabolism, and cellular signaling, impacting cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, cancer, and chronic inflammatory disease—conditions responsible for over 60% of global deaths. This PhD project investigates how the chemokine-like receptor ChemR23 regulates arterial vascular inflammation, with a particular emphasis on the therapeutic potential of modulating ChemR23 signaling within the arterial wall and perivascular adipose tissue. The research will establish antibody-targeted lipid nanoparticle delivery of anti-inflammatory (chemerin-9) or blocking ligands, explore cell and context-dependent RNAi of ChemR23, and modulate the ligand milieu (chemerin and resolvin E1) to determine whether enhancing ChemR23-driven anti-inflammatory pathways can attenuate vascular inflammation and disease progression. LipidBRIGHT provides interdisciplinary scientific training in lipid biochemistry, pathophysiology, and clinical application, as well as complementary skills in personal and career development. The consortium includes academic and industry partners across Europe, offering exposure to both academic and non-academic environments and fostering the translation of research findings into innovative products and services. The successful candidate will benefit from advanced technologies, established patient cohorts, and a collaborative European research environment. Eligible candidates must hold an above average Master degree or equivalent in biological sciences or related fields, with a background in inflammatory immunology. Experience with mouse models, immunological and molecular biological techniques, and 'omics' approaches is required. Solid English skills are mandatory, and German language skills are helpful. Applicants must comply with EU Doctoral Network mobility rules, which require that candidates have not resided or carried out their main activity in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the 3 years preceding recruitment. Candidates of any nationality are eligible. The position is fully funded according to SnSF guidelines for PhD students. The application deadline is 15 April 2026. For further information about the LipidBRIGHT Consortium, visit the project website . To apply, send your application to Prof. Dr. med. Yvonne Döring at [email protected] . More details about the department can be found at the Department of Angiology website .