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

A PhD student position is available in Tadeusz Kawecki's lab at the Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland (https://www.unil.ch/dee/kawecki-group). We are looking for a qualified candidate interested in using experimental evolution to investigate the genetic, molecular and physiological mechanisms and consequences of evolutionary adaptation to a nutrient-poor larval diet in Drosophila. For more background on the project see https://doi.org/10.1093/evlett/qrad018, https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.92465 and https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1011204.

Job information

Expected start date in position : Between June and September 2024

Contract length : The initial contract is for 1 year, renewable for a maximum of 4 years in total

Activity rate : 100%

Workplace : Lausanne-Dorigny

Annual gross salary : CHF 47'699.- + monthy indemnity for teaching assistantship of CHF 761.-

Your responsibilities

As a part of a collaborative and international research team you will perform experimental research at the interface of evolutionary and molecular biology, working towards a PhD. The general aim of the project is to understand the mechanisms underlying improved tolerance to larval undernutrition resulting from an ongoing long-term experimental evolution project on Drosophila melanogaster. At least initially, the project will focus on testing the role of a candidate gene involved in ecdysone metabolism in mediating growth responses to nutrition. It will involve a combination of organismal physiological and life history assays with molecular and genetic approaches (LC/MS, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, RNAi…). You will join a doctoral program, which will offer a variety of graduate courses and workshops. You will also act as a teaching assistant for courses corresponding to your expertise and interest. However, 85% of the working time will be devoted to research towards your PhD thesis.

Your qualifications

We are looking for candidates with a Masters degree in biology, a strong motivation for research in experimental evolutionary biology, at least basis experience in molecular lab, solid understanding of statistics and experimental design, and aptitude for laboratory research. Some experience with experimental work with Drosophila or other insects would be a plus. Desired personal traits include scientific curiosity and honesty, independence and reliability in planning and carrying out experiments, good interpersonal skills and teamwork ability, and good communication skills. No-preexisting knowledge of French is required (research-related discussions, seminars etc. and a part of teaching are in English) but learning basic French would make living in Lausanne more enjoyable.

What the position offers you

With 16 research groups and about 50 PhD students, and with members from over 30 nationalities, the Department of Ecology and Evolution is a diverse and dynamic academic environment. It shares the campus and multiple collaborations with several other departments, including Computational Biology, Fundamental Microbiology and Integrative Genomics. Lausanne is a medium-sized city on the shores of Lake Geneva, surrounded by a wine growing region recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and within one hour of the Alps. It offers a great variety of cultural, recreational and outdoor opportunities.

Contact for further information

For further information please contact Tadeusz Kawecki : tadeusz.kawecki@unil.ch

Your application

Deadline : 10.05.2024

 

Formal applications should include :

• a cover letter detailing your research interests, experience and motivation for applying


• CV


• a summary of your master project (and other relevant research projects)


• a copy of your Masters diploma/certificate (if you haven't yet finished your Masters indicate the expected date)


• the names and contact details of 2-3 referees.

Only applications through this website will be taken into account.
 

We thank you for your understanding.

Additional information

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

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