PhD student positions in cell fate decisions and tissue formation in zebrafish

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

How does a developing embryo build tissues with such precision, even when individual cells behave variably? In vertebrates, cell fate is often described as stochastic, yet tissues form with remarkable reproducibility. What ensures reliable outcomes in the face of variability?

We combine spatial transcriptomics, in toto live imaging, and computational analysis to address this question in the zebrafish retina and early embryo. Our recent work includes advances in spatial transcriptomics and whole-embryo imaging (Science 2026; Cell 2019). By linking gene expression at subcellular resolution to cell behavior and lineage dynamics, we aim to uncover how cellular states, developmental history, and mechanical forces shape cell fate decisions and tissue formation.

My lab ( https://www.wanlab.bio/ ) will start at the Center for Integrative Genomics at the University of Lausanne in 2027. If you are excited about understanding how cells build tissues and about developing and applying new technologies to study development across scales, consider applying to join the lab!

Job information

Expected start date in position : 1st February 2027 or to be agreed
Contract length : 1 year, renewable, maximum 5 years
Activity rate : 100%
Workplace : University of Lausanne, Dorigny campus

Your responsibilities

The successful candidates will conduct an independent research project on cell fate decisions and tissue formation in zebrafish retina and early embryos.

You will be able to:

• Apply and further develop spatial transcriptomics, live imaging, and computational analysis methods;


• Design and perform experiments, analyze data, and interpret results;


• Present research at lab meetings, conferences, and seminars;


• Write and contribute to scientific publications.

The candidates 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

• Ideally the candidate should have completed a MSc in in biology, biophysics, bioengineering, computational biology, or a related field;


• Strong interest in embryonic development, methodological innovation, and quantitative biology;


• Experience with imaging, computational approaches (programming and modeling), zebrafish genetics or molecular biology is a plus;


• Excellent scientific writing, communication, and interpersonal skills.

What the position offers you

A dynamic and international research environment at the University of Lausanne. You will receive interdisciplinary training in developmental biology, imaging, and quantitative approaches, and gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies in spatial omics and live imaging. The working language is English, and the university provides a broad range of professional development opportunities.

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Contact for further information

Prof. Yinan Wan
Email: E-Mail schreiben
Informal inquiries in case of questions are encouraged (email).

Your application

Deadline: ongoing

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

• A cover letter in which you describe your research interests and experience, and clearly explain 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 through this website will be considered.

Candidates will be evaluated starting at the end of July 2026 and until the positions are filled. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. The PhD students are ideally expected to start sometime between February and May 2027.

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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