PostDoc on Neural Circuits of Sleep Vigilance

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.

unil.ch/work

Presentation

Candidates are invited to apply for an open position for a PostDoc position at the Department of Fundamental Neurosciences (DNF) at UNIL. The postdoctoral project aims to understand the neuronal circuit mechanisms underlying the mechanisms of vigilance during mouse sleep, using approaches for sleep recording, together with circuit tracing, calcium imaging and circuit manipulation.

Job information

Expected start date in position : Between December 2026 and February 2027

Contract length : 1 year.

Activity rate : 100%

Workplace : University of Lausanne, Department of Fundamental Neurosciences (DNF),  https://www.unil.ch/dnf/en/home/menuinst/a-propos-du-dnf.html

Your responsibilities

The successful candidate will work on a scientific project using state-of-the-art sleep recordings in parallel with neuronal activity monitoring, behavior, single cell physiology and histology. The candidate will be further introduced into analytical tools for sleep and neural signal analysis and customize these according to his needs. In addition, the candidate will have opportunities to expand a toolbox making use of 2P imaging as well as neuropixel recordings, which are currently being set within the laboratory. Lastly, the candidate will contribute to the training and mentoring of graduate students, the preparation and review of manuscripts, and grant applications.

Your qualifications

Highly committed, driven and with team spirit.

Ph.D. in life science, preferably in neuroscience.

Advanced understanding of neural circuit function and dynamics of brain states.

Basic knowledge in computational analysis, with experience in coding (Matlab, Python).

Fluency in oral and written English.

Desired qualifications

Experience using mouse as animal model systems, imaging technologies, and patch-clamp recording techniques.

What the position offers you

We offer a nice working place in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment. Opportunities for professional training, a lot of activities and other benefits to discover.

unil.ch/work

Contact for further information

Prof. Anita Luthi

Department of Fundamental Neurosciences | DNF

University of Lausanne | UNIL

Rue du Bugnon 9, 1005 Lausanne VD, Switzerland

email: E-Mail schreiben

website: https://dnf-unil.ch/group/gaining-insight-into-the-roles-of-sleep-for-neuronal-function

Your application

Deadline : 31.10.2026

Candidates should submit a cover letter detailing research experience, and interests for affective states (max. one page), CV (including publication list, max. two pages), a copy of Ph.D. certificate, and three independent names and their emails to request letters of recommendation.

Please, send your full application in Word or PDF.
Only applications through this website will be taken into account.

We thank you for your understanding.

Additional 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.

unil.ch/equality
unil.ch/families
unil.ch/graduatecampus