Postdoctoral position in Molecular and Cellular Bacteriology

Introduction

The University of Lausanne is a higher teaching and research institution located right by the Geneva lake overlooking the Alps in Switzerland. It is composed of seven faculties, including a Faculty of Biology and Medicine performing internationally recognized research. Scientists/students working on our campus have access to exceptional state-of-the-art core facilities (ex: genomic, bioinformatics, imaging) and trainings in a very international environment.

Presentation

The Department of Fundamental Microbiology ( https://www.unil.ch/dmf/en/home.html) offers a Postdoctoral position in Molecular and Cellular Bacteriology.

Job information

Expected start date: 01.11.2025 at the earliest.

Contract length: 1 year, renewable if funding is available.

Activity rate: 100%.

Workplace: University of Lausanne.

Your responsibilities

The Collier lab has an open position to study the control of DNA replication in Alphaproteobacteria that have complex genomes (ex: with multiple chromosomes, dicentric chromosomes and/or megaplasmids).  The Agrobacterium tumefaciens plant pathogen will be used as a model during this fundamental research project. We foresee that methylated bases on bacterial genomes (epigenetics), as well as transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms of regulation will play major roles in regulating genome maintenance in such bacteria.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate interested in fundamental aspects of bacterial genetics/epigenetics and bacterial cell biology. At least 80% of the activity will be dedicated to personal research. The other 20% will be dedicated to shared research activities of the group and to contribute to teaching activities.

Your qualifications

• Applicants must have a PhD in Biological sciences (obtained no more than 1-2 years ago).


• Applicants should have a strong expertise in molecular and cellular microbiology and in genetics.


• Applicants should have a good publication record (at least one published first author article).


• Applicants should have a strong motivation for fundamental research with an exceptional sense of curiosity while demonstrating logic and rigor.


• Applicants must speak/write English fluently (level C1 minimum).


• Good knowledge in bioinformatics/programming (R, Python and/or Matlab) would be a plus.

What the post offers you

We offer a stimulating position in a very international environment. Our lab is located on the University of Lausanne campus, with immediate access to the lake and a rich cultural life. Please visit our website for more information on our group, research interests and publications: https://wp.unil.ch/collierlab/

Contact for further information

Prof. Justine COLLIER: E-Mail schreiben

Your application

Application deadline: 30.08.2025

Please include your full application in English as a single PDF, including: (1) a motivation letter explaining why this project interests you, (2) a complete CV with a publication list, (3) a short description of your previous research experiences (PhD project, Master project, internships in labs…), (4) the name/email/website of 3 references.

Only applications through this website will be considered. We thank you for your understanding.

Complementary information

Seeking to promote an equitable representation of men and women among its staff, the University of Lausanne encourages applications from women.