PhD Project: LYME NEUROBORRELIOSIS IN CHILDREN: from understanding pathogenesis to precise diagnosis and treatment -100%
Universität Zürich
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Universitäts-Kinderspital Zürich - Eleonorenstiftung
PhD Project: LYME NEUROBORRELIOSIS IN CHILDREN: from understanding pathogenesis to precise diagnosis and treatment 100
%
Start of employment Start in 2026, but date flexible
About the group:
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Research Zurich (PIDRZ) group at the University Children's Hospital is a small but
growing international research group in one of Europe's leading centers for pediatric medicine. Our group is interested
in understanding the epidemiology, microbiology, and immunology of pediatric infectious diseases, like Lyme disease
(LD) and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), as well as developing novel diagnostic tools for clinical care. Our group
has strong links with clinics and is actively involved in clinical trials and epidemiological studies. Our works
contributes towards the global goal of preventing the emergence of antimicrobial resistance and developing novel
treatments and diagnostic tools for infectious diseases.
Background:
Lyme disease (LD) is caused by several genospecies of the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) and is increasing
worldwide. The clinical presentation of LD in children varies, but mainly includes skin manifestations, Lyme
neuroborreliosis (LNB), and Lyme arthritis. LNB accounts for 3–15% of LD cases and is the second most common
presentation of LD in children. Overall, identifying LNB in children can be very challenging, which often results in
delayed or missed diagnosis and treatment. Antibiotic treatment is essential to prevent progression to the late stages
of LNB, which can result in serious, persistent sequelae.
Current stage of own research:
To investigate the pathogenesis of LNB in children, we initiated the prospective BRILLIANT study (Borrelia B-cell
diagnostics) of LD in children aged 0–17 years. Since 1 April 2024, we have enrolled 102 children presenting with a
differential diagnosis of LD (cases), as well as 22 previously healthy patients (controls). In close collaboration with
the Institute of Medical Microbiology (IMM UZH), we have established several advanced laboratory protocols for Bb
detection, including Bb microscopy, Bb culture out of clinical samples, and a multiplex quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay
for Bb DNA detection in clinical samples and cultures.
Project aims and hypotheses:
This project aims to improve the diagnosis of LNB in children by identifying new microbiological and immunological
markers of Bb infection. Current diagnostic procedures fail to detect a significant proportion of LNB cases. We
hypothesize that additional laboratory tests can confirm Bb infection in patients who are otherwise misdiagnosed. Our
objectives are threefold, spanning clinical, microbiological, and immunological research:
1) Clinical: Define clinical features of LNB and evaluate the current diagnostic approach
2) Diagnostic: Identify further microbiological and immunological approaches for LNB diagnosis
3) Exploratory: Explore Bb genotypes and virulence factors in relation to disease phenotype
Your main task will be to manage the prospective clinical study of LD in children (BRILLIANT study) in order to draw
conclusions on patho-mechanisms of LD and identify new microbiological and immunological markers of Bb infection.
- Management of the BRILLIANT study: overseeing patient recruitment, scheduling follow-ups, sample processing and
storage, extracting data from hospital record, managing study database (REDCap).
- Establishment of Bb cultures from clinical isolates: Further protocol optimization by improving qPCR screening
procedure and culture conditions. Evaluation of usefulness of culture and qPCR for clinical diagnosis.
- Phenotype the immune response in LD and LNB: Analyze preliminary data, design experiments to further investigate
relevant immune cell subsets using flow cytometry, bead-based cytokine/chemokine assay or scRNA-seq approaches.
- Identify genotypes of Bb clinical isolates: Perform WGS on new Bb clinical isolates and identify genotypes and
virulence factors associated with LD and LNB clinical subgroups.
Furthermore, your duties as part of the employment will include:
- Writing scientific manuscripts (in English)
- Presentation of results at internal meetings and training events
- Participation in national and international conferences (including presenting your work)
- If applicable, supervising Master's students in Biomedicine and Pharmacy
- Master's degree (MSc) in medicine, biology, immunology, or a related field
- Strong interest in clinical research, experience in clinical research is a plus
- Research interest in immunology, microbiology and/or infectious diseases
- Good understanding of statistics, experience with R is plus
- High motivation, ability to work independent, good written and oral communication skills
- Good knowledge of German and English
The opportunity to:
- Work on a clinically relevant research project with clear patient benefit
- Learn how to plan, organize, and conduct clinical studies in hospital setting
- Gain solid understanding of epidemiology, immunology and microbiology of pediatric infectious diseases
- Gain experience in modern laboratory techniques, such as spectral flow cytometry, bead-based assays, scRNA-seq,
microscopy, qPCR, bacterial and mammalian culture
We offer:
- Dynamic interdisciplinary team of physicians, study managers and basic researchers
- Fully equipped workstation at the Children's Hospital Zurich research complex
- Access to state-of-the art shared facilities (flow cytometry, microscopy, biobanking) at the new Children's Hospital
Zurich research complex
- Direct supervision by a postdoctoral researcher
- Opportunity to participate in weekly group meetings, journal clubs and progress reports
- Opportunities for continuous education (courses, seminars, workshops)
What we offer
Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers.
What we offer
Work-Life Balance
- Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
- Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH
More Learning and Development
- Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
- Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich
More Food
- Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
- Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution
More Healthcare
- Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
- Free seasonal flu vaccinations
- Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower
More Discounts
- Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
- Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
- Special conditions on hotel reservations
More Conditions of Employment
- Policies of the UZH
- Most UZH staff are employed according to public law
More International Services
- Support for people from outside Switzerland
More Campuses
- Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
- Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg
More
Location
Universitäts-Kinderspital Zürich - Eleonorenstiftung
August-Forel-Strasse 51, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland
Further information
Questions about the job
Prof. Patrick M. Meyer Sauteur Contact Form
Contact question to: Prof. Patrick M. Meyer Sauteur
Your Name *Your Mail Address *Your question *I accept the privacy policySend Thank you for your message. We will get
back to you shortly.
Questions about the application procedure
Ismael Dellova de CamposKoordination Doktoratsprogramm Clinical Science Contact Form
Contact question to: Ismael Dellova de Campos
Your Name *Your Mail Address *Your question *Ich akzeptiere hiermit die DatenschutzerklärungSend Thank you for your
message. We will get back to you shortly. Working at UZH
The University of Zurich offers a wide range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields.
With around 10,000 employees and 12 professional apprenticeship streams, Switzerland's largest university provides an
inspiring working environment at the vanguard of research and education. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/en/explore/work.html
Working at UZH
The University of Zurich offers a wide range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields.
With around 10,000 employees and 12 professional apprenticeship streams, Switzerland's largest university provides an
inspiring working environment at the vanguard of research and education. Find out more about UZH as an employer! More
PhD Project: LYME NEUROBORRELIOSIS IN CHILDREN: from understanding pathogenesis to precise diagnosis and treatment 100
%
Start of employment Start in 2026, but date flexible
About the group:
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Research Zurich (PIDRZ) group at the University Children's Hospital is a small but
growing international research group in one of Europe's leading centers for pediatric medicine. Our group is interested
in understanding the epidemiology, microbiology, and immunology of pediatric infectious diseases, like Lyme disease
(LD) and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), as well as developing novel diagnostic tools for clinical care. Our group
has strong links with clinics and is actively involved in clinical trials and epidemiological studies. Our works
contributes towards the global goal of preventing the emergence of antimicrobial resistance and developing novel
treatments and diagnostic tools for infectious diseases.
Background:
Lyme disease (LD) is caused by several genospecies of the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) and is increasing
worldwide. The clinical presentation of LD in children varies, but mainly includes skin manifestations, Lyme
neuroborreliosis (LNB), and Lyme arthritis. LNB accounts for 3–15% of LD cases and is the second most common
presentation of LD in children. Overall, identifying LNB in children can be very challenging, which often results in
delayed or missed diagnosis and treatment. Antibiotic treatment is essential to prevent progression to the late stages
of LNB, which can result in serious, persistent sequelae.
Current stage of own research:
To investigate the pathogenesis of LNB in children, we initiated the prospective BRILLIANT study (Borrelia B-cell
diagnostics) of LD in children aged 0–17 years. Since 1 April 2024, we have enrolled 102 children presenting with a
differential diagnosis of LD (cases), as well as 22 previously healthy patients (controls). In close collaboration with
the Institute of Medical Microbiology (IMM UZH), we have established several advanced laboratory protocols for Bb
detection, including Bb microscopy, Bb culture out of clinical samples, and a multiplex quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay
for Bb DNA detection in clinical samples and cultures.
Project aims and hypotheses:
This project aims to improve the diagnosis of LNB in children by identifying new microbiological and immunological
markers of Bb infection. Current diagnostic procedures fail to detect a significant proportion of LNB cases. We
hypothesize that additional laboratory tests can confirm Bb infection in patients who are otherwise misdiagnosed. Our
objectives are threefold, spanning clinical, microbiological, and immunological research:
1) Clinical: Define clinical features of LNB and evaluate the current diagnostic approach
2) Diagnostic: Identify further microbiological and immunological approaches for LNB diagnosis
3) Exploratory: Explore Bb genotypes and virulence factors in relation to disease phenotype
Your main task will be to manage the prospective clinical study of LD in children (BRILLIANT study) in order to draw
conclusions on patho-mechanisms of LD and identify new microbiological and immunological markers of Bb infection.
- Management of the BRILLIANT study: overseeing patient recruitment, scheduling follow-ups, sample processing and
storage, extracting data from hospital record, managing study database (REDCap).
- Establishment of Bb cultures from clinical isolates: Further protocol optimization by improving qPCR screening
procedure and culture conditions. Evaluation of usefulness of culture and qPCR for clinical diagnosis.
- Phenotype the immune response in LD and LNB: Analyze preliminary data, design experiments to further investigate
relevant immune cell subsets using flow cytometry, bead-based cytokine/chemokine assay or scRNA-seq approaches.
- Identify genotypes of Bb clinical isolates: Perform WGS on new Bb clinical isolates and identify genotypes and
virulence factors associated with LD and LNB clinical subgroups.
Furthermore, your duties as part of the employment will include:
- Writing scientific manuscripts (in English)
- Presentation of results at internal meetings and training events
- Participation in national and international conferences (including presenting your work)
- If applicable, supervising Master's students in Biomedicine and Pharmacy
- Master's degree (MSc) in medicine, biology, immunology, or a related field
- Strong interest in clinical research, experience in clinical research is a plus
- Research interest in immunology, microbiology and/or infectious diseases
- Good understanding of statistics, experience with R is plus
- High motivation, ability to work independent, good written and oral communication skills
- Good knowledge of German and English
The opportunity to:
- Work on a clinically relevant research project with clear patient benefit
- Learn how to plan, organize, and conduct clinical studies in hospital setting
- Gain solid understanding of epidemiology, immunology and microbiology of pediatric infectious diseases
- Gain experience in modern laboratory techniques, such as spectral flow cytometry, bead-based assays, scRNA-seq,
microscopy, qPCR, bacterial and mammalian culture
We offer:
- Dynamic interdisciplinary team of physicians, study managers and basic researchers
- Fully equipped workstation at the Children's Hospital Zurich research complex
- Access to state-of-the art shared facilities (flow cytometry, microscopy, biobanking) at the new Children's Hospital
Zurich research complex
- Direct supervision by a postdoctoral researcher
- Opportunity to participate in weekly group meetings, journal clubs and progress reports
- Opportunities for continuous education (courses, seminars, workshops)
What we offer
Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers.
What we offer
Work-Life Balance
- Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
- Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH
More Learning and Development
- Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
- Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich
More Food
- Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
- Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution
More Healthcare
- Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
- Free seasonal flu vaccinations
- Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower
More Discounts
- Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
- Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
- Special conditions on hotel reservations
More Conditions of Employment
- Policies of the UZH
- Most UZH staff are employed according to public law
More International Services
- Support for people from outside Switzerland
More Campuses
- Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
- Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg
More
Location
Universitäts-Kinderspital Zürich - Eleonorenstiftung
August-Forel-Strasse 51, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland
Further information
Questions about the job
Prof. Patrick M. Meyer Sauteur Contact Form
Contact question to: Prof. Patrick M. Meyer Sauteur
Your Name *Your Mail Address *Your question *I accept the privacy policySend Thank you for your message. We will get
back to you shortly.
Questions about the application procedure
Ismael Dellova de CamposKoordination Doktoratsprogramm Clinical Science Contact Form
Contact question to: Ismael Dellova de Campos
Your Name *Your Mail Address *Your question *Ich akzeptiere hiermit die DatenschutzerklärungSend Thank you for your
message. We will get back to you shortly. Working at UZH
The University of Zurich offers a wide range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields.
With around 10,000 employees and 12 professional apprenticeship streams, Switzerland's largest university provides an
inspiring working environment at the vanguard of research and education. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/en/explore/work.html
Working at UZH
The University of Zurich offers a wide range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields.
With around 10,000 employees and 12 professional apprenticeship streams, Switzerland's largest university provides an
inspiring working environment at the vanguard of research and education. Find out more about UZH as an employer! More