Postdoc or PhD student position in Plant Physiology

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.

Presentation

Funded for 4 years by the Swiss National Science Foundation, the laboratory of Prof. Niko Geldner in the Department of Plant Molecular Biology at the University of Lausanne is seeking a position for a collaborative research project with Prof. Meibom, as well as Prof. Ramakrishna, at EPFL. We look for strongly motivated candidates for a young researcher position (either Postdoc or PhD student) to study plant physiology using the cutting edge genetic and analytical technics, including the novel (and unique) CryoNanoSIMS instrument.

Motivation and mission

A breakthrough in our ability to image mineral nutrients at high resolution and sensitivity has recently been achieved by the Meibom lab with the development of a CryoNanoSIMS ion microprobe (Meibom et al, BMC Biology, 2023). This unique instrument represents a quantum leap in our ability to visualize soluble elements in situ, which recently made it possible to demonstrate a completely unpredicted function of a major sodium transporter in protection of root meristems against salinity (Ramakrishna et al., Nature, 2025).

We now aim to expand on this breakthrough by generating the first, high-resolution maps of elemental distributions in roots of the model plants Arabidopsis, both in the presence and absence of the endodermis, the main extracellular diffusion barrier of roots. This will provide unprecedented insights nutrient distribution in plants. Furthermore, we seek to elucidate the uptake and distribution of potassium and nitrate through stable isotope tracing. This will provide novel insights into the uptake of these crucial minerals for agriculture.

Job information

Expected start date in position : 01.09.2025 / to be agreed

Contract length : 1 year, renewable 

Activity rate : 100%

Workplace : Lausanne-Dorigny

For Postdoc position : This position is mostly research oriented. It is also associated to teaching duties of under graduate and graduate biology students.

For PhD student position : At least half of the working time will be dedicated to the doctoral research. The rest of the time will be dedicated to various academic functions including some teaching assistance of under graduate biology students.

Your qualifications

• To apply for a Postdoc position : a PhD in biology or biotechnology (preferentially less than 2 years after obtaining the PhD degree).  To apply for a PhD student position : an exceptionally motivated master student with relevant qualifications


• Experience in developmental biology and physiology of plants


• Aptitude and strong interest in imaging, and/or NanoSIMS, or willingness to obtain these skills.


• Scientific writing skills as reflected in an excellent publication record.


• Excellent oral an written English skills; a good knowledge of French is a benefit

The selected candidates will have:

• A unique opportunity to use and develop new avenues in the field of cryo-imaging and nutrient physiology in plants, on multidisciplinary and cutting-edge projects using a range of imaging techniques, including (Cryo)NanoSIMS analysis.


• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and laboratory resources.


• A competitive Swiss salary.

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.

Contact for further information

Prof. Niko Geldner

E-Mail schreiben

Your application

Deadline : until filled

Please, send your full application in Word or PDF including a motivation letter, a full CV and publication record. Contact information of at least 2 people who can provide letters of reference.
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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