Our team is dedicated to developing innovative therapies and technologies for the treatment of cancer. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge research, we aim to improve the chances of recovery and enhance the quality of life of our patients in the long term. Discover our current projects, scientific events, and publications in the field of radiation oncology research, which encompasses clinical trials, physical-technical, and radiobiological research.
The Department of Radio-Oncology at the USZ is a nationally and internationally leading university institute focusing on clinical and translational research in the field of precision radio-oncology. One of our goals is to train the next generation of researchers and support them in their clinical and scientific careers.
The learning of scientific work and the development of a scientific profile are actively supported during the training period.
The Department of Radiation Oncology has been offering a one-year Clinician Scientist Program since 2023.
Complementary to the 3-year training period in radio-oncology is a 1-year research year at the Department of Radio-Oncology at the USZ. This Clinician Scientist Program will provide the opportunity to focus on a translational research project as the basis for an academic career. Integrated training is provided in scientific skills such as literature research, scientific writing, medical statistics incl. R and good clinical practice (GCP).
Funding is awarded on a competitive basis and is open to doctors: residents in further training in radio-oncology as well as “young” specialists in radio-oncology. The research leave lasts 12 months, is financed by the University of Zurich and the Department of Radiation Oncology, and can be credited in full to residents as an external year of training for the specialist in radiotherapy and radio-oncology.
Supervision is provided by the research group leaders Prof. Unkelbach of experimental medical physics or Prof. Pruschy of radiobiology, as well as the clinic director Prof. Guckenberger.
Applications are open to all residents and young specialists at the Department of Radiation Oncology at the USZ. Interested external students and physicians first apply for a clinical position and can then apply for the Clinician Scientist Program in a second step.
A full funding period of 12 months is open for applications each year.
The possible research projects depend on the current research topics of a translational nature in the supervising working group. The detailed elaboration takes place with the candidates of the Clinician Scientist Program. Alternating supervision in the Experimental Medical Physics and Applied Radiobiology group is planned.
In the period 2023-2024, I had the opportunity to participate in the Clinical Scientist Program of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University Hospital Zurich (USZ) in the Medical Physics Research Group under the direction of Prof. Jan Unkelbach.
The main project dealt with the de-escalation of the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Currently, a large part of the cervical lymphatic drainage is irradiated prophylactically in order to detect occult metastases and reduce the risk of recurrence. However, this strategy is associated with considerable side effects – such as dysphagia and xerostomia – which can significantly impair the patient’s quality of life.
The research group is therefore developing a statistical model to estimate the risk of lymph node metastases per lymph node stage, with the aim of reducing the radiation volume for each individual patient and thus minimizing toxicity. During my research year, I extended the model to hypopharyngeal and laryngeal carcinomas and was responsible for data collection at the USZ and the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) in the Netherlands. I also completed a short research stay in Groningen for this purpose.
A central goal was the translation of the research results into clinical practice. I was instrumental in developing a protocol for a multicenter Phase II study in Switzerland based on the risk model. I will continue to work on the implementation of this study in the coming years.
I was also involved in several projects with different focuses, for example on toxicity in the combination of stereotactic radiotherapy and targeted therapies or on the collection of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). I regularly took part in national and international congresses and research meetings.
The program offered me the opportunity to build up an individual research profile and a strong scientific network. I was able to deepen my skills in the areas of study design, methodology, statistics, data interpretation and presentation of scientific results. I also gained comprehensive insights into the ethical, legal and financial aspects of clinical trial development.
Esmée Looman, Resident
Our clinic is pleased to offer a six-month research fellowship program aimed at residents from all over Europe. This program offers aspiring physicians the opportunity to engage intensively with current cutting-edge research at our renowned clinic.
Highlights of the Fellowship:
Duration: 6 months
Location: Department of Radio-Oncology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich
Research focus: Collaboration on a specific research project that is tailored to individual interests and fits in with the clinical focus of our clinic
Mentoring: Individual support from experienced researchers and clinicians
Interdisciplinary collaboration: working in a diverse, international team with the common goal of expanding medical knowledge and improving patient care
Professional development: acquisition of valuable scientific and clinical skills to advance your medical career
Who can apply?
The fellowship is aimed at junior doctors from international training programs who have a strong motivation for medical research and would like to actively contribute to the development of innovative projects in a clinical environment. Participation takes place in consultation with the sending institution or clinic.
Ideal candidates:
Have a high level of scientific motivation and interest in research
Have excellent academic and professional qualifications
Application process:
Please submit your application with the following documents:
Detailed curriculum vitae with presentation of academic and professional achievements
Letter of motivation with description of research interests and goals
Letter of recommendation from an academic or clinical reference person
Your advantages:
Practical experience in a leading medical research environment
Collaboration in relevant and translational research projects
Collaboration with experts from various disciplines
Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and scientific resources
Building an international professional network
Application and contact:
Please send your application or inquiries to: pa_guckenberger@usz.ch
Become part of our mission to advance medical research and improve healthcare worldwide. We look forward to welcoming committed and talented applicants!
Hello!
I am Niccolò Bertini, a fourth-year resident in radiation oncology at the University of Florence. I am currently on an international research stay at the University Hospital Zurich (USZ) in the Department of Radio-Oncology under the direction of Professor Matthias Guckenberger. My research project focuses on the use of photon counting CT – a new technology that offers promising advances in computed tomography for patients with head and neck tumors. Over the past six months, I have independently carried out the data collection, segmentation, analysis and the entire writing of the scientific publication.
What did this experience bring me as a young researcher?
A lot. Above all, meeting people from all over the world has shown me that Zurich is one of the most international hospitals in the world. I had the privilege of working with outstanding experts in the field of radiation oncology and making valuable personal and professional contacts. I was also able to develop my ability to work in interdisciplinary teams with experts from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines.
Would I recommend this experience to others?
Absolutely. Building bridges between different departments and disciplines has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth – through the constant exchange of ideas, information and resources that is essential in our work.
I am convinced that scientific research is not only based on analytical data, but also on exchange and collaboration. The opportunity to work with the University of Zurich has confirmed this conviction – it has helped me to broaden my horizons and further expand the knowledge, experience and relationships that I have already been able to gain in my professional environment. Switzerland and Italy – two countries only a few hours apart and separated by the Alps – have become a source of extraordinary scientific synergy for me, which has enriched me personally, professionally and culturally.
I would like to thank everyone I was able to work with during this stay.
Niccolo’ Bertini, Resident