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.

Presentation

Prof. Claudia Kathe at the Department of Fundamental Neurosciences at UNIL is seeking a PhD student with a background in life sciences, who is interested in neuronal networks in the spinal cord.

Our research uses a molecular systems neurobiology approach to unravel the critical role that different cell populations of spinal cord play in motor function, and what happens to these neuronal circuits in neurological disorders such as spasticity. Spasticity often occurs after a spinal cord injury, stroke or diseases like cerebral palsy, and affects more than 12 million people world-wide. It is a condition that causes involuntary and painful muscle spasms, and no effective treatments currently exists. Furthermore, our laboratory is also interested in studying the aberrant patterning of the spinal cord in neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy. Our overarching goal is to understand the mechanisms underlying disorders of the spinal cord, allowing us to develop novel treatments.

Job information

Expected start date in position: 01.08.2024 / to be agreed
Contract length: 1 year, renewable on agreement to a total of 4 years
Activity rate: 100%
Workplace: University of Lausanne, Department of Fundamental Neurosciences

Your responsibilities

We primarily use rodent models in our research, which allows us to combine molecular biology, behavioural assessments and anatomical tracing as well as multi-omics. With a primary focus on elucidating changes within cell populations in the spinal cord that underly the pathophysiology of spasticity in cerebral palsy, you will be responsible for performing surgeries, behavioural, neurophysiological and anatomical assessments. You will also be involved in developing viral vectors that target transduction to specific cell types based on their transcriptome. The majority of your time will be dedicated to research, but you will also have the opportunity to be involved in teaching activities, supervision of Master projects and participate in career-development activities.

Your qualifications

- A Masters degree in any of the life sciences (required)
- communication skills in English (required), French is a bonus
- molecular cloning techniques (required)
- in vivo experience (surgical, behavioural techniques) (desired)
- bioinformatic skills (single-cell sequencing analysis) (bonus)
- scientific writing and interpersonal skills

What the position offers you

The Department of Fundamental Neurosciences hosts state-of-the-art facilities. We offer a highly motivating working place in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment with great opportunities for professional training.

Contact for further information

Informal requests for further information can be made by email to:
claudia.kathe@unil.ch

Prof. Claudia Kathe
University of Lausanne
Rue du Bugnon 9
CH-1005 Lausanne - SWITZERLAND
Email: claudia.kathe@unil.ch

Telephone: 021 692 51 33
Website: https://www.unil.ch/dnf/en/home.html

Your application

To apply for this job, please send a cover letter, your curriculum vitae with past research background and publications, a motivation letter and a copy of your degrees and the name of three references.

Application deadline: 15.05.2024

Only applications through this website will be taken into account. Thank you for understanding.
Please, send your full application in Word or PDF.

Additional information

UNIL is committed to equal opportunities and diversity.
www.unil.ch/egalite

UNIL supports early career researchers.
www.unil.ch/graduatecampus