Graduate assistant (PhD student) position Rebsamen Lab: Innate immunity and autoimmunity

Introduction

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

Presentation

A graduate assistant (PhD student) position is available in the laboratory of Prof. Manuele Rebsamen at the Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. The Rebsamen lab investigates the signalling pathways and metabolic processes that allow immune cells to detect and respond to invading pathogens, as well as their roles in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. A particular focus of the lab is the characterization of the role of Solute Carriers (SLCs), a family of transporter proteins, in immune functions and immunometabolism.

Additional info: www.rebsamenlab.org

Job information

Expected start date in position : April 1st, 2026 or to be agreed

Contract length : 1 year, renewable. The maximum funding period is 5 years

Activity rate : 90%

Workplace : Dpt of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Ch. des Boveresses 155, 1066 Epalinges

Your responsibilities

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD candidate interested in studying the molecular mechanisms and regulatory processes controlling innate immune responses, and their pathophysiological relevance in inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. The successful applicant will employ cutting-edge biochemical and molecular experimental approaches as well as in vivo studies.

Your qualifications

We invite applications from candidates with the following qualifications and qualities:

- Master’s degree in biological sciences, or equivalent.

- Strong curiosity, motivation and commitment to basic research.

- Collaborative mindset and enthusiasm to work in a team.

- Strong communication skills in English (both written and spoken) are essential.

- Experience in molecular biology, immunology and/or in vivo mouse studies is a plus.

What the position offers you

You will join a growing, dynamic and international research group that combines mechanistic studies with in vivo disease models to advance the understanding of innate immunity and related disorders.  The laboratory is located at the Epalinges campus, a creative and inspiring environment with strengths a vibrant and inspiring environment with strong expertise in immunology, infectious diseases and cancer, hosting the Dpt. of Immunobiology as well as laboratories from the University Hospital (CHUV) and the Ludwig Cancer Research Institute. The campus offers state-of-the-art technological platforms and a stimulating and competitive research environment.

The applicant will be integrated in the “PhD Programme in Cancer and Immunology” of the Faculty of Biology and Medicine, which offers advanced courses, lectures, workshops and summer courses providing a comprehensive, high-quality training in cancer and immunology

Contact for further information

Prof. Manuele Rebsamen, E-Mail schreiben

Your application

Deadline: 20.12.2025

Applications should be submitted in English and include:

• A cover letter including a description of your research experience and motivation (1.5 pages max)


• A curriculum vitae


• Names and contact information of at least two academic references.

Copies of university diplomas and degrees; transcripts related to master’s degree studies (indicating marks/grades achieved).

Please, send your full application in PDF.
Only applications through this website will be taken into account.

We thank you for your understanding.

Additional information

UNIL is committed to:
•    equality, diversity and inclusion within its community;
•    ensuring an open and respectful environment that is conducive to personal development;
•    offering working conditions that facilitate work-life balance;
•    supporting early career researchers.

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