PhD Position in Childhood Cancer Epidemiology

University in Bern Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine

PhD Student in Childhood Cancer Epidemiology
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Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM) of Bern
Period: PhD contract for 3 years, start as soon as possible
Supervisor: Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Kühni
Place: ISPM University of Bern, Switzerland
Application deadline: April 30th, 2025

The Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM) of Bern performs research in a range of disciplines relevant to public health (www.ispm.unibe.ch). Groups cut across divisions, facilitating an interdisciplinary approach to research in the fields of clinical epidemiology, social and behavioral health, biostatistics, and international and environmental health. The Child and Adolescent Health Group, headed by Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Kuehni, conducts population-based and clinical studies on child health, focusing on cancer and respiratory diseases.

Childhood cancer is a rare disease, affecting about 350 children per year. Currently, more than 85% of children with cancer can be cured, but the harsh treatment can affect general health. Childhood cancer survivors are thus at higher risk for chronic health conditions than the general population, making a healthy lifestyle even more important. We know little about determinants and predictors of health behaviors in childhood cancer survivors. In this PhD project you will investigate health behaviors, such as physical activity, nutrition, smoking, alcohol use and utilization of preventive health care and explore their determinants and trends over time. You will be able to analyze existing data from over 4000 cancer survivors from the nation-wide Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (SCCSS) and to design short additional online questionnaires. The study has a participatory approach, collaborating closely with cancer survivors and their parents to plan the study, discuss findings and develop interventions adapted to this vulnerable group.

The Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (SCCSS, https://www.swiss-ccss.ch) is a broad research program on long-term health, psychosocial outcomes and quality of life after childhood cancer, with national studies and several international collaborations. You will be part of a dynamic and multidisciplinary team and work closely with researchers, epidemiologists, data managers, other PhD students, and investigators. You will gain an in-depth understanding of epidemiological and biostatistical techniques, conduct questionnaire surveys, present your results at (inter)national conferences, and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

You have:
  • A university degree (MD, MSc or equivalent) in psychology, health sciences, sport sciences, biology, medicine, or related fields
  • A strong interest in child health and/or public health
  • An interest in biostatistics, ideally with experience in data analysis and statistical software such as R or Stata.
  • Fluency in French and English, German is a plus
What we offer:
  • Work in a motivated and competent research team
  • Preparation for a research career at a university (epidemiology or preventive medicine) or in a public health institution. The PhD education also counts towards an FMH in Pediatrics.
  • A lively and international graduate school at the University of Bern
  • Salary according to the Swiss National Science Foundation Salary Scales for PhD students
f you are looking for an exciting position in a highly motivated interdisciplinary team, please send your CV with motivation letter to Leah Weber (leah.weber@unibe.ch) and Nina Hofer (nina.hofer@unibe.ch) by April 30, 2025.
Apply