The Department of Plant Molecular Biology (DBMV) at the University of Lausanne (UNIL) is inviting applications for two fully funded Graduate Assistant (PhD student) positions within the research group of Dr. Maite Colinas. The research group investigates the evolution and regulation of plant specialized metabolism, focusing on natural product biosynthesis and metabolic engineering.
Overview & Key Details
| Designation | Graduate Assistant / PhD Student |
|---|---|
| Number of Positions | 2 (Two) |
| Host Institution | University of Lausanne (UNIL) |
| Department | Department of Plant Molecular Biology (DBMV) |
| Research Area | Plant Specialized Metabolism, Molecular Biology & Biochemistry |
| Activity Rate | 90% |
| Contract Duration | 1 year, renewable up to a maximum of 5 years (2 x 2 years) |
| Location | Lausanne-Dorigny, Switzerland |
| Application Deadline | December 1, 2026 (Applications reviewed until positions are filled) |
| Expected Start Date | Spring 2027 (from March 1, 2027) |
Designation
Graduate Assistant (PhD Student)
Research Area
Plant Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Plant Specialized Metabolism, Evolution of Natural Product Biosynthesis, and Plant Biotechnology.
Location
Biophore building, Dorigny Campus, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- An MSc degree (or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines (recently completed or soon-to-be awarded).
- Strong interest in plants (particularly non-classical model species), specialized metabolism, and data analysis (genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics).
- Solid background and knowledge in molecular biology and biochemistry.
- High motivation and willingness to master and develop novel laboratory techniques and methods.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (the working language of the lab).
- Experience with mass spectrometry, single-cell technologies, and/or computational programming is considered an asset, though not mandatory.
Scholarship / Position Description
Selected PhD candidates will join an international, well-funded, and collaborative research environment at UNIL. Key responsibilities and benefits include:
- Research Responsibilities: Conducting independent research exploring the evolution of specialized metabolism, enzyme discovery, pathway regulation, and metabolic engineering using state-of-the-art omics technologies, single-cell approaches, and protein biochemistry.
- Academic Activities: Designing experiments, data analysis, presenting at scientific conferences and departmental seminars, and drafting research manuscripts for publication.
- Teaching Duties: Assisting in the teaching of undergraduate biology students and supervising student practical projects as part of the graduate assistantship.
- Facilities & Training: Enrollment in the Doctoral School of the Faculty of Biology and Medicine; access to cutting-edge core facilities (genomics, flow cytometry, metabolomics, imaging) at UNIL and the neighbouring EPFL campus.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application online through the official UNIL career portal in English as a single PDF document containing:
- A letter of motivation (maximum 1 page) detailing research interests, previous research experience, and specific reasons for wanting to join the lab.
- A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Copies of university degrees (MSc degree certificate and/or transcript of academic records).
- Contact information of 2–3 academic referees.
For informal inquiries regarding the project, candidates may contact Dr. Maite Colinas at mmartinez@ice.mpg.de.
Last Date for Apply
Applications will be reviewed starting from December 1, 2026, and review will continue until the positions are filled.
Apply Link
Click Here to Apply Online at the Official UNIL Portal
