PhD Position, University of Bern, Switzerland

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February 4, 2009

The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Bern is one of five medical faculties in Switzerland. The
Faculty’s Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM) employs some 100 staff and provides under-
graduate and post-graduate education and carries out research in a range of disciplines relevant to
Public Health. ISPM offers a lively, interdisciplinary environment with excellent computing and library
facilities. With its mediaeval architecture, the Swiss capital city of Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage
Site, which offers excellent quality of life in the proximity of the Alps.

An opening for a PhD position in biostatistics / epidemiology (childhood asthma) is available from 1st March 2009, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. Childhood wheezing disorders (including childhood asthma) are the most common chronic health problem in childhood. Yet, the factors that determine if a child gets asthma, and if it grows out of it or develops chronic disease, are poorly known. This PhD project will focus on the prediction of onset and persistence of childhood wheezing disorders, using data from large population-based cohort studies
(N=10,000; Int J Epidemiol 2007;36:977-85).

Specifically the applicant will:

• Perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the existing literature on predictors of onset and persistence of wheeze and asthma.
• Explore, apply and compare the performance of the methods (e.g. logistic regression, classification and regression trees, and artificial neural networks) in predicting onset and persistence of asthma in children.
• Develop prognostic tools for use in clinical practice.
• Prepare graphs and tables based on the analysis, write statistical reports and scientific papers.
• Present results at national and international conferences.
• Travel to England 2-3 times per year for meetings with collaborators.
• Participate in general tasks relating to the management of the Leicester cohort studies (database creation and maintenance, logistics of ongoing and future surveys, data cleaning, grant applications).

We are seeking a PhD candidate with a strong background in applied statistics and with an interest in clinical epidemiology or public health. Candidates with a degree in statistics, mathematics, medicine or natural sciences are welcome to apply.

The ideal candidate will be a motivated graduate student (diploma or master degree) with good skills in statistical programming (R or Matlab) combined with an interest in applied health related research. Experience in the use of standard statistical software such as Stata or SAS, in writing scientific papers and reports and in presenting results would be advantageous. The ability to maintain clear documentation is essential. Languages: excellent knowledge of English and either German or French.

The appointment is available from March 2009 for 3 years. The salary of the PhD position is based on the salary scale of the Swiss National Science Foundation. More detailed information on the position can be obtained from Claudia Kuehni.

Please send your applications including curriculum vitae as soon as possible, but not later than February 15, 2009 to: PD Dr. med. Claudia Kuehni, Institut für Sozial- und Präventivmedizin Finkenhubelweg 11, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland. E-mail: kuehni@ispm.unibe.ch. Universität Bern, Institut für Sozial- und Präventivmedizin, Finkenhubelweg 11, CH-3012 Bern, www.ispm.unibe.ch

Scholarship Tags: Bern, PhD, Position, Switzerland, University