Postdoctoral Position in Brain Barriers Research
A postdoctoral position (80-100%) is available in the research group of Britta Engelhardt at the Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern. The project focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying early blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS). Using human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived in vitro models, the successful candidate will investigate BBB dysfunction in persons with MS (PwMS) from a cell-intrinsic perspective, moving beyond the classical view that BBB breakdown is merely a secondary consequence of autoimmune neuroinflammation.
Tasks
- Establish and apply hiPSC-derived in vitro models of the human neurovascular unit (NVU) from healthy controls and PwMS.
- Identify transcriptional and phenotypic differences between healthy and MS-derived NVU models composed of brain microvascular endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes.
- Discover and validate candidate genes contributing to BBB dysfunction in MS.
- Test whether targeted modulation of these genes can restore BBB integrity.
- Use microfluidic systems to study how modulation of the target genes affects immune cell trafficking across the BBB under physiological flow conditions using advanced live cell imaging.
Requirements
- Strong interest in brain barrier research in the context of multiple sclerosis.
- PhD or MD/PhD in the life sciences, preferably in vascular biology, neuroscience, or a related field.
- In-depth experience with human induced pluripotent stem cell cultures and differentiation, ideally including hiPSC-derived brain barrier models.
- Knowledge of barrier function assays, including TEER and permeability measurements.
- Solid expertise in standard and advanced laboratory techniques, including:
- Primary cultures of human cells
- PCR and qRT-PCR
- RNAseq
- Western blotting
- ELISA
- CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing
- Multicolor flow cytometry
- Histology and immunostaining
- Confocal microscopy and image analysis
- Motivation to work in an international, collaborative, and multidisciplinary research environment.
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
- Post-doctoral experience and knowledge in microfluidic devices and live-cell imaging are advantageous.
What We Offer
- A high-impact, hypothesis-driven project at the forefront of brain barrier and MS research.
- A lively and international research team with strong expertise in BBB biology.
- Access to cutting-edge hiPSC, microfluidic, and imaging technologies.
- Competitive salary according to University of Bern postdoctoral regulations.
- Opportunities for scientific development, networking, and conference participation.
- Starting date: February 1, 2026, or by appointment.
- Initial 1-year contract with the possibility of extension for a second year.
Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.