PhD in Experimental Microbial Ecology

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.

The GENESIS Office at the University of Lausanne invites applications for a PhD position in experimental microbial ecology within the framework of the NCCR Genesis. The successful candidate will work under the joint supervision of Alice Bosco Santos (UNIL) and Nicola Storelli (SUPSI).

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NCCR GENESIS - Fully funded PhD position

The National Centre of Competence in Research NCCR Genesis is a research infrastructure project funded by SNSF focussing on exploring the emergence of life in the Universe. This interdisciplinary research infrastructure brings together physicists, earth and planetary scientists, chemists and biologists to understand the conditions and the mechanisms that enable life to emerge. Developing reliable methods to detect reliable traces of life (biosignatures) – whether through remote sensing or direct onsite measurements – requires significant innovation. These challenges demand close collaboration across physics, biology, chemistry and the earth sciences. NCCR Genesis does not aim to provide answers in all fields, but to drive innovative research and achieve decisive progress.

Details on NCCR Genesis are available on its website https://nccr-genesis.ch .

NCCR Genesis is deeply committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Our aim is to cultivate a respectful and fair work culture with equal access to professional development and support for all. We strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups.

Presentation

This PhD project will develop controlled experimental systems to investigate top-down and bottom-up ecological strategies that directly shape the biosignatures of sulfur-cycling bacteria in low-oxygen environments. The main focus will be on virus–host interactions in purple (PSB) and green (GSB) sulfur bacteria related to the microbial anoxic communities of meromictic Lake Cadagno. The work will combine laboratory-based experiments at UNIL (Lausanne) and SUPSI (Mendrisio) with field observations in stratified aquatic environments (e.g., meromictic lakes), particularly during June-October.

The candidate will generate the empirical foundation needed to quantify how viral perturbations affect microbial metabolism and biogeochemical outputs.

Job information

Expected start date in position : fall 2026 or upon agreement

Contract length : 4 years (1+2+1)

Activity rate : 100%                     

Workplace : Géopolis building, Institute of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Geosciences and Environment, University of Lausanne

Your responsibilities

The successful candidate will investigate virus–host interactions in anoxygenic phototrophic sulfur bacteria through a combination of field, laboratory, and molecular approaches. The project will involve monitoring and isolating viruses from natural environments, performing infection experiments with different anoxygenic phototrophic sulfur bacteria, and conducting anaerobic microbiology experiments under controlled redox conditions using systems such as microfluidics and mesocosms. The candidate will characterize microbial responses using flow cytometry, viability assays (e.g., live/dead staining), microscopy, and spatial analyses, while developing molecular workflows including qPCR quantification, RNA extraction, and transcriptomic sample preparation. The position also includes organizing and participating in field monitoring campaigns at Lake Cadagno (Ticino, Switzerland) and working closely with computational collaborators to integrate experimental and multi-omics data into a comprehensive understanding of virus-driven microbial processes.

Your qualifications

We are looking for a motivated candidate with a strong interest in environmental microbiology and geomicrobiology. A master’s (or equivalent) degree in microbiology, environmental sciences, biology, or a related field is preferred. We encourage candidates with an interest in microbial ecology and biogeochemistry and a motivation for fieldwork in lake environments to apply.

We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in our research environment. We particularly encourage applications from candidates who are underrepresented in science, including individuals from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds and those who have followed non-traditional academic paths. We value diversity and actively seek to build an inclusive and supportive team.

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.

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The candidate will be based at the University of Lausanne within a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment and will collaborate closely with SUPSI. Time at SUPSI for training and analysis will be necessary (especially from June to October). The project is embedded in the NCCR Genesis, offering access to a broad network of researchers working on biosignatures, microbial processes, and planetary habitability.

Contact for further information

Ms Alice Bosco Santos - E-Mail schreiben

Your application

Deadline : 20.08.2026
Please send the following documents in PDF format:

• A cover letter outlining your research motivation and interests (max. 1 page)


• Your CV including academic background, previous research/publications and/or industrial experiences as well as the names and contact details of 2-3 referees


• Copy of your diplomas. 

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.

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