Independent, critical thinking, and keen to learn and improve skills
Lausanne
Key information
- Publication date:18 September 2025
- Workload:100%
- Contract type:Permanent position
- Place of work:Lausanne
Recherche
PhD student at the Institute of microbiology
The Bertelli Group of the University Hospital of Lausanne (Switzerland) is seeking a talented and motivated PhD student to study the human gut microbiota in an outstanding Swiss population cohort : the CoLaus/PsyCoLaus cohort and the role of the microbiome in the link between obesity and depression. The contract is for 1 year, renewable for a total of 4 years.
Contexte
The Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) is one of the five university hospitals in Switzerland. Thanks to its collaboration with the Faculty of Biology and Medicine of the University of Lausanne and the EPFL, CHUV plays a leading role in medical care, medical research, and education.
Mission
Our laboratory is embarking on a large interdisciplinary study to investigate the possible mediating role of the human gut microbiota in the known link between depression and obesity. Samples will be collected as part of the large population cohort CoLaus/PsyCoLaus, recognized internationally for its detailed characterization of participants that includes both psychiatric and somatic assessments. Based on shotgun metagenomics data of the fecal microbiota, you will reconstitute taxonomical composition and functional capabilities of microbial communities. In collaboration with other groups of the consortium, you will integrate microbial profiles with participants characteristics as well as metabolomics data to identify disease signatures and possible mechanisms allowing the microbiota to impact host metabolism and/or mood.
Our young and dynamic team has a broad range of lab and informatics experience and works collaboratively to analyze large datasets, with fundamental and clinical research groups, in particular within the National Centre of Competence Research in Microbiomes (https://nccr-microbiomes.ch/). We are interested in deciphering the complex interactions between the microbiota and its host along the gut-brain axis, understanding the mechanisms at play, and strategies to modulate the microbiota to improve health outcomes. You will have the possibility to develop and apply novel analysis workflows using the latest technologies, some of which are being developed in our laboratory. You will work closely with other bioinformaticians, PhD students, master students and technicians within the group as well as researchers involved in this outstanding collaborative project. You will present remarkable achievements at national and/or international conferences, promoting further collaborations.
Profil
You are a young motivated scientist curious to understand the role of the microbiota in health and disease with a strong interest for bioinformatics. You have a background in biology, computer science or statistics with an interest in, and ideally experience of, analyzing NGS data to gain insights into the microbial composition, diversity and function. You would like to broaden your skills across these disciplines and bring your expertise to our laboratory. We are looking for someone like you!
Essential skills :
- Master in Biology, Computer Science, or Statistics ideally with a specialization in bioinformatics
- Programming: bash, python or R
- Knowledge of key concepts in metagenomics or microbial genomics
- Highly organized, able to work independently and as a part of the team
- Independent, critical thinking, and keen to learn and improve skills
- Good communication skills to work in our multidisciplinary research environment.
Nous offrons
To become an employee of the world-famous University Hospital Center from the Canton of Vaud is an assurance of
- First-rate social benefits such as a Paternity Leave of 20 days and a Maternity Leave of 4 months (there is also the possibility to obtain a complementary breastfeeding leave of 1 month) ;
- Regular salary progression adapted to your responsibilities ;
- A right to at least three days of training per year, by accessing a wide offer of courses not only from the CHUV Training Center but also from external providers ;
- Possibility to access one of the 500 furnished apartments offered in the surrounding neighborhoods in case of relocation in Switzerland ;
- Discounts proposed on social and cultural events, goodies and other services, thanks to the “H-Oxygène” association ;
- Signing up to our Mobility Plan and benefit from different advantages (discounts on public transportation, promotion of “Mobility” car fleet and discounts on electric bikes) ;
- Being able to enjoy our high-quality corporate restaurants, located in every hospital building, with employees’ discount.
Contact et envoi de candidature
Contact person in case of questions about this role : Prof. Claire Bertelli, experte scientifique, spécialiste en microbiologie, tél : 021 314 40 76
All of our applications are processed electronically. For this reason, we kindly ask you to apply exclusively by clicking on the APPLY button at the bottom of the advertisement.
Should you experience any problems with your application, you can consult our document "how to apply online". In case of technical issues, you can contact our Recruitment team who will help you (E-Mail schreiben / +41 21 314 85 70).
The CHUV applies the highest quality requirements as part of its recruitment process. In addition, mindful to promote workplace diversity and inclusion we strive to ensure equal treatment and avoid any discrimination. We are looking forward to receiving your application.
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