Graduate Assistant in Exercise Biochemistry

Introduction

A leading international teaching and research institution, UNIL has nearly 5,000 staff members and 17,000 students, distributed between the Dorigny campus and the CHUV and Epalinges sites. As an employer, it promotes excellence, recognition of individuals, and responsibility.

unil.ch/travailler

Presentation

The Institute of Sport Sciences (ISSUL) at the University of Lausanne is advertising a position for a

Graduate Assistant in Exercise Biochemistry

Position Information

Start date: 01.02.2027

Contract duration: 1 year, renewable 2 x 2 years, maximum 5 years

Work rate: 100%

Workplace: Lausanne

Gross annual salary: CHF 67,568, increasing each year according to the scale

Your Activities

The position is under the responsibility of Nadège Zanou. The holder is expected to develop innovative, internationally-level research work in the field of exercise biochemistry at ISSUL.

The work will mainly focus on the molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle adaptation to exercise, particularly those governing how exercise, depending on its modalities, modifies genome accessibility and protein expression related to muscle metabolism.

50% of the work rate will be dedicated to completing a doctoral thesis.

25% of the work rate will be devoted to supporting teaching tasks.

25% of the work rate will be devoted to shared research work.

See the job description

Your Profile

We wish to recruit a person with the following profile:

• You have a Master’s degree in sport sciences, biology, biomedical sciences, medicine, pharmacy or an equivalent qualification.
• You have an interest in pursuing research activities and developing a thesis in the field of exercise biochemistry, linked to the research interests of Nadège Zanou’s group (ISSUL-FBM).
• You are proficient in French and have a good knowledge of English.
• You have an interest in teaching exercise physiology and biochemistry or physical activity applied to health.
• You have experience in the following areas: human or mouse exercise physiology, muscle strength measurements and muscle cell cultures, qPCR, Western blot, calcium imaging, Oroboros O2k and/or ATaq-seq, gene editing, ribosome profiling, computational biology or OMICs data analysis.
• You hold a certification allowing you to work with animal models in Switzerland (an asset).
• You have organisational skills, the ability to work autonomously and independently, and within a research team.
• Preference will be given to a person open to communication and cooperation, and capable of working in a team.

Your Benefits

A pleasant working environment in a multicultural and diverse academic setting.

Opportunities for continuing education, a multitude of activities and other benefits to discover. Organisational support to participate in international conferences and to hold scientific events.

More information at unil.ch/travailler

For Further Information

Please contact Nadège Zanou

Email address: nadege.zanou@unil.ch

Your Application File

Application deadline: 04.11.2026

Please send us the following documents as a single PDF file via the recruitment platform:

• Cover letter,
• Academic CV with copies of university diplomas and transcripts,
• A brief summary (maximum 1 page) of your previous research work.
• A summary (maximum 1 page) of your previous teaching experience (if applicable).
• Name and contact details of your Master’s supervisor
• A copy of your diplomas
• A valid identity card

Only applications submitted via this site will be considered.

Note : Interviews with shortlisted candidates will take place on 17 or 18 November, either in person or online via Teams.

Remarks

UNIL is committed to:
• Equality, diversity and inclusion within its community;
• Ensuring an open, respectful environment conducive to personal development;
• Offering working conditions favourable to balancing different spheres of life;
• Supporting the next generation of scientists.

unil.ch/egalite
unil.ch/familles
unil.ch/graduatecampus