Summary
The Institute of Earth Sciences (ISTE) at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), in joint supervision with EPFL, is accepting applications for a fully funded 4-year PhD position within the framework of NCCR Genesis (funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation – SNSF). The project focuses on quantifying how viral perturbations of microbial metabolism translate into measurable biosignatures (e.g., isotopic fractionation, pigment production) in low-oxygen environments by combining bioinformatics, quantitative modeling, and multi-omics data integration.
Designation
PhD Student / Doctoral Researcher (Fully Funded PhD Position)
Key Position Overview
| Parameter | Details |
| Host Institution | University of Lausanne (UNIL) |
| Collaborating Institution | École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) |
| Research Framework | NCCR Genesis Project |
| Requisition ID | 22908 |
| Contract Duration | 4 years (1 + 2 + 1 year renewal structure) |
| Activity Rate | 100% |
| Expected Start Date | Fall 2026 or upon agreement |
| Application Deadline | August 20, 2026 |
Research Area
- Quantitative Microbial Biosignatures & Biogeochemistry
- Statistical Biophysics & Computational Biology
- Microbial Ecology & Virus-Microbe Interactions (Sulfur-cycling microbial communities)
- Multi-Omics Integration (Metagenomics, Metatranscriptomics, Viromes, Auxiliary Metabolic Genes)
Location
Institute of Earth Sciences (ISTE), Faculty of Geosciences and Environment, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland (with joint supervision at EPFL).
Eligibility / Qualification
- Education: Master of Science (MSc) or equivalent degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, physics, environmental sciences, or a related field.
- Core Competencies:
- Strong inclination toward computational approaches and programming skills.
- Keen interest in quantitative modeling and linking mathematical/computational models with experimental data.
- Demonstrated ability to work interdisciplinary across biology, physics, and Earth sciences.
- Diversity & Inclusion: Applications are strongly encouraged from underrepresented groups in science, individuals from diverse cultural/ethnic backgrounds, and those who have taken non-traditional academic paths.
Job Description
- Dataset Analysis: Process and analyze multi-omics datasets (metagenomes, metatranscriptomes, viromes, and viral auxiliary metabolic genes – AMGs) to determine how viral infections reshape microbial metabolism.
- Metabolic Modeling: Identify metabolic pathways (KEGG pathways) and rate-limiting reactions targeted by viruses, integrating these into quantitative models to simulate microbial metabolic networks.
- Biosignature Shifts: Estimate thresholds at which viral perturbations lead to detectable biosignature shifts (e.g., isotopic fractionation, pigment production) in low-oxygen environments.
- Field & Lab Involvement: Participate in field campaigns to study natural ecosystems and carry out laboratory experiments (e.g., gene expression analyses) to parameterize and validate models.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the UNIL Job Portal.
Required Application Documents (in Word or PDF format):
- Cover Letter: Detailing research motivation and interests (maximum 1 page).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlighting academic background, research experience, publication list (if applicable), and contact details for 2–3 academic referees.
- Diplomas: Copies of official academic degrees/transcripts.
Contact for Inquiries: Dr. Alice Bosco Santos (
alice.boscosantos@unil.ch)
Last Date to Apply
August 20, 2026
