PhD student position in plant responses to the environment

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.

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Presentation

The Center for Integrative Genomics at the University of Lausanne invites applications for a PhD student position in plant responses to the environment, with a focus on photobiology or responses to warmer temperatures.

Light strongly influences plant growth and development. Although essential for photoautotrophic plants, light availability is often limited by surrounding vegetation. In response to neighbor proximity or shade cues, plants activate developmental programs such as shade‑avoidance and phototropism. Warmer temperatures can trigger similar growth adjustments.

The Fankhauser lab (lab webpage) investigates the molecular and physiological mechanisms that enable plants to adapt to suboptimal light conditions or elevated temperatures.

Job information

Expected start date in position: 01.06.2026 or to be agreed

Contract length : 1 year, renewable 2x 2 years for maxiumum 5 years

Activity rate: 100% (minimum of 85% of the activity rate for research thesis, maximum of 15% of the activity for the institute)

Workplace: University of Lausanne, Dorigny, Center for Integrative Genomics, Fankhauser group.

Your responsibilities

The successful candidate will work on a project aimed at deciphering the molecular mechanisms that govern plant growth responses to changes in light conditions and/or temperature. The project will involve a combination of molecular genetics, plant photobiology, cell biology, microscopy and biochemical approaches.

The candidate will also have the opportunity to gain teaching and mentoring experience by contributing to undergraduate and graduate courses and supervising student research projects. The University of Lausanne offers a world‑class international research environment equipped with state‑of‑the‑art facilities.

Your qualifications

Dynamic, enthusiastic, and dedicated scientist with a Master’s degree in biology or a related discipline. A critical thinker with strong reasoning and analytical skills. Team-oriented and eager to engage in scientific discussions. A background in plant biology, biochemistry, molecular genetics or computational skills (e.g., statistical analysis in R) are strong assets.

What the position offers you

We offer a nice working place in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment. Opportunities for professional training, a lot of activities and other benefits to discover.

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Contact for further information

For further information please contact Prof. Christian Fankhauser (E-Mail schreiben)

Your application

Deadline: 27.03.2026

Please submit your full application as a single PDF document comprising:

• a cover letter detailing your research interests and experience, and clearly explaining why you are interested in this particular position


• a CV


• a copy of your Master’s degree certificate


• contact details for 2 or more referees

Only applications received through this website will be considered.

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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