The Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC) and the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI)
are seeking applications for the position of PhD student:
We offer a fully funded PhD position in an interdisciplinary, translational research environment with access to state-of-the-art technologies. The PhD candidate will gain hands-on experience in human mucosal immunology, including work with patient-derived biopsies, primary cells, and advanced experimental models. The position is available within a translational research project focused on the immunopathogenesis of eosinophilic esophagitis.
The Project:
Project title:
\"
The role of food allergens in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic esophagitis
\"
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, food antigen–driven inflammatory disease of the esophagus. While multiple dietary triggers have been identified, understanding the specific mechanisms by which individual food antigens activate and perpetuate disease remains incompletely defined. Recent clinical and translational evidence indicates that certain food allergens induce variable immune responses among patients, suggesting that structural and biochemical properties of specific antigens critically influence their immunogenicity in the esophageal mucosa.
The aim of the proposed research is to elucidate the mechanisms by which distinct food antigens differentially activate immune and tissue responses in EoE. The project will combine clinical samples with advanced ex vivo and in vitro models to characterize tissue-specific immune activation, focusing on epithelial–immune cell interactions and the local type 2 inflammatory response.
In parallel, the research will investigate patient-specific factors associated with tolerance or relapse upon allergen exposure. By integrating clinical phenotyping with mechanistic immunology, this work aims to clarify the role of various food antigens as disease-driving factors in EoE and to identify structural features that determine their pathogenic potential in the esophageal microenvironment.
The methodology used in the project includes multicolor and spectral flow cytometry, singlecell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and spatial transcriptomics/proteomics. The project further employs esophageal organoid cultures, air–liquid interface (ALI) epithelial models, and co-culture systems to study epithelial–immune interactions relevant to esophageal inflammation. Importantly, the PhD candidate will also contribute to the development and application of esophagus-on-a-chip (organ-on-chip) technologies, enabling physiologically relevant modeling of epithelial barrier function, immune interactions, and inflammation.
The PhD position:
The candidate will work under the scientific supervision of Prof. Thomas Greuter, Head of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at EOC Lugano and Professore di ruolo at the Università della Svizzera italiana (for publications: greuter t - Search Results - PubMed) and Dr. Marcin Wawrzyniak (Marcin Wawrzyniak ORCID). The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic research team and within a multidisciplinary, international scientific environment. The doctoral student will be enrolled in the Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences at USI and will have access to state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure and an interdisciplinary environment that combines basic and clinical research.
The candidate will collaborate on the development of the institute's research agenda and will share responsibilities in the design, conduct, and analysis of research projects in human mucosal immunology, with a particular focus on eosinophilic esophagitis. In addition, the candidate will have the opportunity to attend and present their own data at scientific conferences and publish in highranking journals.
Candidates' profile:
Ideal candidates should meet the following requirements:
* A Master's Degree in: Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related basic biological fields
* High personal interest in novel biological technologies and human immunology
* Work with human samples (biopsies, blood, primary cells)
* Experience with (or strong commitment to quickly learn) molecular and cellular techniques (flow cytometry, qPCR, ELISA, microscopy, immunofluorescence), working with primary cells and cell lines as monolayers and 3D cultures.
* Excellent skills in oral and written English
* Self-motivation and exceptional commitment to experimental goals and deadlines
* Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently as well as in a team
* Critical data analysis and troubleshooting
* Effectively communicate experimental data, maintain records, and write protocols
* Present results at lab meetings, conferences,
* Knowledge of statistics and/or data analysis (R, Python) of bulk RNA, single-cell RNA sequencing is an add on.
Contract terms:
The successful candidate will work as a PhD student in the Gut Unit of the Institute of Translational Research EOC, and will have the possibility to interact with an international network of collaborators. Continuous, dynamic interactions with the lab of Prof. Iezzi are expected to achieve the project's goals.
Workplace is BIOS+, located in Bellinzona, Switzerland. Availability to travel to other parts of Switzerland and abroad (for purposes of collaboration and research) is required. Starting date is 1st March, 2026. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
The application:
Applications should contain:
(1) a letter in which the applicants describe their research interests and the motivation to apply,
(2) a complete CV,
(3) copies of relevant diplomas and certificates,
(4) a complete list of publications with details on the candidate's contributions,
(5) minimum 2 references (letters not required at this stage).
Please send your application in electronic form or requests for further information to (please use the following subject: PhD Position – Gastroenterology)