PhD Position in Forensic Toxicology

As a university institute, the Institute of Forensic Medicine (IRM) provides forensic medical services for the city and canton of Bern as well as for other catchment areas in addition to teaching and research.
The Department of Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry (FTC) carries out forensic chemical analyses of narcotics, pharmaceuticals, poisons and forensic toxicological analyses of body fluids and other human materials. We are looking for a PhD student to conduct research in the SNSF-funded project "Toxicity assessment of New Psychoactive Substances by Artificial Intelligence and in-silico methods" (SNF grant no. 10000358) from 1 March 2025 or by arrangement.

• Development of high-resolution tandem-mass-spectrometric methods for drugs of abuse, pharmaceutical drugs and metabolites for forensic case work as well as toxicity studies
• Application of receptor affinity and activity assays
• Development of ML algorithms in the purpose of the project
• Writing of scientific publications
• Dissertation at a graduate school at the University of Bern (GCB or DCB)

• Completed Master's degree in bio/chemistry, bioinformatics, pharmacy or similar
• Basic knowledge of receptor assays desired
• Practical experience in chromatography/mass spectrometry is an advantage
• Basic knowledge of programming desired (R, Python)
• Strong analytical skills and attention to process details
• Language skills: English, German (willingness to learn), French (optional)

• The opportunity to write your scientific dissertation (duration: approx. 3 years) and develop your own scientific profile - in collaboration with various national and international co-operation partners (Belgium, Sweden), including publication activities and conference participation
• Supportive team environment
• Supervision and mentorship by Dr sc. nat. Katharina Grafinger

Please send your application with the usual documents electronically by 15.02.2025 to E-Mail schreiben.