Position Overview
The Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC) and the Regenerative Medicine Division are seeking applications for the position of PhD student in Biofabrication/Vascular Biology with a focus on brain organoid vascularization. The division, part of the Institute for Translational Research, focuses on in‑vitro disease modeling through biofabrication, the design of novel technologies for drug screening, and personalized medicine applications using human tissue biopsies. It combines microfluidics, microphysiological systems, 3D bio‑printing, and computational simulations.
Applications are invited for a PhD position to conduct research in the project entitled "Enhancing human brain organoid complexity through biofabrication of a perfusable vasculature". The 4‑year project, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation in collaboration with Prof. Simone Bersini and Prof. Arianna Baggiolini, focuses on biofabricating miniaturized models of the human brain and integrating them with functional microvascular networks. This technology will enable the study of neural progenitor cell differentiation during brain development and the recreation of complex brain architectures. The project involves creating 3D microvascular networks that mimic the blood‑brain barrier, integrating them with high‑throughput culture systems, and analyzing blood‑vessel‑brain organoid interactions through next‑generation sequencing and high‑content screening. The institute provides access to bulk and single‑cell RNA‑seq, spatial transcriptomics, mass spectrometry, confocal, multi‑photon, and electron microscopy facilities.
PhD Position
Under the scientific supervision of Prof. Simone Bersini, the successful candidate will work in a dynamic research team within an international multidisciplinary environment. The candidate will be enrolled in the Doctoral Programme in Biomedical Sciences at USI, collaborate in developing the institute’s research agenda, and share responsibilities in designing, conducting, and analysing research projects in biofabrication and molecular cell biology. The candidate is expected to present papers at scientific conferences and publish in high‑ranking journals.
Candidate Profile
Ideal candidates should satisfy the following requirements:
* A Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Bioengineering, or related disciplines (priority given to Vascular Biology or Neuroscience).
* High personal interest in organ‑on‑a‑chip, biofabrication, and (bio)‑printing.
* Experience (or strong commitment to quickly learn) 3D cell cultures (preferred: vascular cells and/or brain organoids), imaging (confocal microscopy, preferably with 3D cultures), standard biological techniques (qPCR, western blot, ELISA, immunofluorescence), microfabrication of microphysiological systems, analysis of datasets including those from omic technologies.
* Excellent oral and written English skills.
* Self‑motivation and exceptional commitment to experimental goals and deadlines.
* Strong organisational skills and ability to work independently and in a team.
* Critical data analysis and troubleshooting abilities.
* Effective communication of experimental data, maintenance of records, and protocol writing skills.
Contract Terms
The successful candidate will work as a PhD student in the Regenerative Medicine Division, with possibilities to interact with an international network of collaborators. Continuous and dynamic interactions with the lab of Prof. Baggiolini are expected to reach the project goals. The workplace is BIOS+, located in Bellinzona, Switzerland. Availability to travel within Switzerland and abroad for collaboration and research is required. The starting date is March 1, 2026, and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
Application Process
Applications should contain:
(1) a cover letter describing research interests and motivation to apply;
(2) a complete CV;
(3) copies of relevant diplomas and certificates;
(4) a comprehensive list of publications with contribution details;
(5) at least two references (letters not required at this stage).
Please send your application in electronic form to simone.bersini@eoc.ch with the subject line "PhD position‑Vascularized brain".
The conditions of appointment are those provided by the regulations concerning the hiring of EOC staff and doctors, and for the academic part, by the statutes and regulations of USI academic staff.
USI and the EOC aspire to be exemplary institutions and promote equality and diversity. We encourage applications from women and all people belonging to underrepresented categories. Discrimination on the basis of gender, culture, disability, sexual orientation, or identity is prohibited.
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