Doktorand/PhD

Introduction

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 15,500 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

Presentation

To complement the research activities in the team of Prof. Sebastian Soyk at the Center for Integrative Genomics (CIG) of the University of Lausanne, we are seeking to recruit a PhD student to work on projects related to the molecular genetics of crop domestication.

Job information

Expected start date: 01.05.2021 or to be agreed

Contract length: 1 year, renewable, max. 4 years.

Activity rate: 100% (minimum of 50% of the activity rate for research thesis, maximum of 50% of the activity for the institute).

Workplace: University of Lausanne, Dorigny

Your responsibilities

The main responsibility consists of conducting scientific research in the framework of the Soyk lab, which has a strong interest in the genetics of plant development and crop domestication. The team uses tomato and related nightshades as model systems to study genetic interactions during stem cell development and how gene regulatory networks evolved during crop domestication. The successful candidate will study the evolution of transcription factor families during tomato domestication using state-of-the-art approaches in genetics, genomics, molecular biology, and genome editing. Funding for the position is available, but application to personal fellowship programs will be highly encouraged.

Your qualifications

We are looking for a highly-motivated and talented candidate who is interested in genetics, gene regulation, development, and evolution. Applicants should hold a Master's degree or equivalent, with a strong background in biology and an interest in plant science. Advanced knowledge of genetics and molecular biology is essential, together with a motivation to learn and develop new methods and techniques. Experience in genome editing and bioinformatics would be considered a plus. Candidates should be excited about science, highly organized, and capable of working independently and collaborative within the team, and are expected to be fluent in English (spoken and written).

What the position offers you

The Soyk lab is hosted at the Center for Integrative Genomics (CIG) at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), a vibrant, well-funded institute with a focus on functional genomics and equipped with state-of-the-art core facilities (see www.unil.ch/cig). Embedded in the broader Lausanne research environment that includes two schools of higher education (UNIL, EPFL), the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Ludwig Center for Cancer Research, University Hospital, and a cluster of biotech companies flourishing in the larger Leman lake area, we offer a great working place in a multicultural, diversified and dynamic academic environment. The PhD student will be enrolled in the Faculty of Biology and Medicine's doctoral school (https://www.unil.ch/ecoledoctoralefbm/en/home.html).

Contact for further information

Informal enquiries should be sent to Prof. Sebastian Soyk sebastian.soyk(at)unil.ch

Your application

Deadline: 28. February 2021

Please submit your full application in Word or PDF comprising: (1) cover letter detailing your research interests and experience, (2) CV, (3) a copy of your Master’s degree certificate, and (4) contact details for 2-3 academic referees. Only applications through this website will be taken into account.

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