The Molecular Immunology lab at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Bellinzona (Switzerland), is seeking a highly motivated PhD student to investigate how specific genetic risk alleles shape T lymphocyte functions and may contribute to autoimmunity.
Lab page:
Your profile
1. You recently completed a Master’s degree in Immunology, Molecular/Cell Biology, or a related field.
2. You are fluent in spoken and written English.
3. You are filled with curiosity, initiative, and a strong desire to learn and think independently!
4. Bioinformatics skills are a plus, but not essential.
Project & Environment
5. You will explore molecular mechanisms controlling immune-cell differentiation and function in health and disease, with a focus on human T cells and genetic variation. The project will combine pre-clinical in vivo models, primary T-cell culture, flow cytometry, CRISPR-based perturbations, functional assays, molecular biology and biochemistry.
6. Bellinzona, located in the italian-speaking region of southern Switzerland, offers a high quality of life, plenty of outdoors activities and excellent connections to Zurich and Milan.
What we offer
7. Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)-aligned salary and conditions.
8. Outstanding training, mentoring, and regular scientific exchange.
9. Preferred start date: as soon as possible (negotiable).
10. PhD students are enrolled in the PhD program of the Università della Svizzera italiana. The IRB offers state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant, welcoming international environment with journal clubs, seminars, and scientific events.
How to apply
Please send one single PDF to silvia.monticelli@irb.usi.ch, containing:
11. Motivation letter with a brief statement of research interests
12. CV (include degrees and grades of final examinations)
13. Complete list of Bachelor’s and Master’s courses with final grades
14. Names and email addresses of two referees
Review of applications starts immediately and continues until the position is filled.
Selected lab publications:
15. Bianchi N et al. FCRL3 is an immunoregulatory receptor that restrains the activation of human memory T lymphocytes. Journal of Experimental Medicine 2025 (In press)
16. Leoni C et al. The mRNA methyltransferase Mettl3 modulates cytokine mRNA stability and limits functional responses in mast cells. Nature Communication 2023
17. Emming S et al. A molecular network regulating the pro-inflammatory phenotype of human memory T lymphocytes. Nature Immunology 2020
Attachment
18. PhD position – Dr. Silvia Monticelli