Postdoctoral position in light-regulated plant development

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 postdoctoral position in the group of Christian Fankhauser to investigate plant responses to their environment. This position is part of a Swiss National Science Foundation–funded project aimed at understanding how changes in the light environment or increased temperature regulate plant morphology. More information about the group can be found at: lab webpage

Job information

Expected starting date: 01.07.2026 or to be discussed

Contract length: 1 year, renewable up to 3 years

Activity rate: 100% (a minimum of 85% of the activity rate for research, a maximum of 15% of the activity rate for institutional and teaching tasks)

Workplace: University of Lausanne – Dorigny Campus

Your responsibilities

The successful candidate will work within the framework of the SNSF‑funded project “The response to high plant density in a warmer climate: function and regulation of Phytochrome Interacting Factors.” The project will combine genome‑wide transcriptional analyses at high spatial resolution, molecular genetics, plant photobiology, biochemistry and cell biology. The candidate will work as part of a collaborative research team to address the overarching scientific questions. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to gain teaching and mentoring experience by contributing to undergraduate and graduate courses and by supervising student research projects. The University of Lausanne provides a world‑class, international research environment supported by state‑of‑the‑art core facilities, including genomics, proteomics, and microscopy.

Your qualifications

We are looking for a dynamic, enthusiastic, and dedicated scientist with a PhD in biology or a related discipline. The ideal candidate is a critical thinker with strong analytical and reasoning skills, and a collaborative team player who is eager to engage in scientific discussions. A demonstrated track record of successful research, supported by a solid publication record, as well as proficiency in spoken and written English, is essential.

Additional assets include:

• Background in the study of genome-wide transcriptional regulation, particularly single cell analyses.


• Computational skills for genome-wide data analyses, statistical analysis.

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

Please, send your full application as a single PDF by April 11, 2026. The complete application should contain:

- Short motivation letter (max. one page)

- Curriculum vitae including lists of publications, conferences, and awards, and a description of experimental and computational skills.

- The names and contact details of 2-3 referees

Applications should be made exclusively online. 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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