Postdoctoral position in Cryo-Electron Tomography

Introduction

The University of Lausanne (UNIL) is a higher teaching and research institution composed of seven faculties where approximately 14,300 students and nearly 3,800 collaborators, professors, and researchers work and study. Ideally situated along the lake of Geneva, near Lausanne's city center, its campus brings together over 120 nationalities. As an employer, UNIL encourages scientific excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

www.unil.ch/carrieres

Presentation

The Navarro lab offers a Postdoctoral position in cryo-electron tomography at the Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
The Navarro lab investigates the molecular architecture of bacterial cells and phages using state-of-the-art cryo-electron tomography approaches. We are an interdisciplinary team of young researchers that combine state-of-the-art cryo-electron tomography, image processing and in situ structure determination via subtomogram averaging with genetics, experimental bacteriology and light microscopy. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), image processing, and bacterial cell biology.

Job information

Expected start date: earliest 01.09.2025 
Contract length: 1 year
Activity rate: 100%
Workplace: University of Lausanne

Your responsibilities

Successful candidates will work on developing out-of-the-box data acquisition and instrumentation and/or image processing pipelines for in situ cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) using integrative computational methods for structure determination of small flexible proteins within their native environment by subtomogram averaging (STA). We offer a stimulating environment in a young international research group that uses integrative approaches combining state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) imaging, experimental molecular and cellular biology techniques, computation and image processing to advance the field of cryo-ET.

The qualified candidate will benefit from working in a very stimulating and international research environment in a motivated team with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a competitive salary. The project will be conducted in collaboration with PhD students and postdocs within the group, and further with members of Castaño lab and the Caflisch lab .
 

Your qualifications

Applicants should hold a PhD in molecular biology, structural biology, biophysics, engineering, mathematics, computing vision or equivalent with a strong interest in cryo-EM and Life Sciences. Prior research experience in the field of cryo-EM is encouraged. We are seeking highly creative and motivated postdocs with broad interests in cellular and molecular microbiology and/or advanced image processing for cryo-ET. Candidates interested in cryo-ET and STA are encouraged to apply. Strong candidates will have experience in cryo-EM/cryo-ET or other imaging methods (AFM, FM) and/or cellular and molecular microbiology. The ideal candidate should be highly interactive and capable of independent research in a team environment. A solid command of oral and written English is essential.

What the position offers you

We offer a stimulating environment in a young international research group that uses integrative approaches combining state-of-the-art cryo-EM imaging, experimental molecular and cellular microbiology and advanced image processing for cryo-electron tomography. We are part of the Department of Fundamental Microbiology, a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary, and team-oriented scientific environment with expertise ranging from molecular biology, cellular microbiology and biochemistry to microbial ecology and evolution. Our group has strong links with the Dubochet Center for Imaging and the Electron Microscopy Facility of UNIL. We have access to three 300 kV Titan Krios, an Aquilos 2, various scanning electron microscopes, a float 200-120 kV screening electron microscopes and light microscopes, systems for correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM, THUNDER Leica) and cryo-EM sample preparation equipment. A solid infrastructure and training for the computational aspects of the projects will be provided by centralized services on site at UNIL. Last but not least, our department is situated on a beautiful campus at the shore of Lake Leman with a great view of the Alps and with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

Contact for further information

For questions concerning the application, position, or research topic, or in case of problems with accessing the UNIL career portal please contact:
Prof. Paula Navarro: E-Mail schreiben

Your application

Application deadline: 30.6.2025

Please submit your full application including motivation letter, CV, list of publications (if available) and the names and addresses of two referees via the official UNIL career portal. Only applications through the official website will be considered. Applications will be reviewed as they come in.
The application should be written in English.
Review of applications will start immediately until the position is filled.
 

Complementary information

UNIL is committed to:
• equality, diversity and inclusion within its community;
• ensuring an open and respectful environment that is conducive to personal development;
• offering working conditions that facilitate work-life balance;
• supporting early career researchers.
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