Post-doctoral position in the neurobiology of anesthesia in Drosophila

Introduction

The University of Lausanne (UNIL) is a higher teaching and research institution composed of seven faculties where around 15,000 students and 5,000 researchers, collaborators, and professors work and study. Situated along the shores of Lake Léman, near Lausanne’s city centre, its campuses bring together over 120 nationalities.

Presentation

Prof. Richard Benton ( www.unil.ch/cig/benton ) at the Center for Integrative Genomics at UNIL is seeking a post-doctoral researcher with a strong background in Drosophila behavioural neurogenetics and calcium imaging.

Job information

Expected start date in position : 01.04.2027

Contract length : 1 year, renewable

Activity rate : 100%

Workplace : University of Lausanne, Dorigny Campus

Your responsibilities

Volatile anesthetics (VAs) are essential in medicine, yet their precise mechanisms of action remain unclear. Initially thought to act broadly on lipid membranes, later studies implicated ion channels such as GABA-A and glutamate receptors as some of their molecular targets. However, no single molecular target explains the full spectrum of anesthetic effects, suggesting contribution of additional factors. Drosophila melanogaster offers a powerful model for dissecting genetic and physiological contributors to VA sensitivity. We have recently initiated a new project using a genome-wide association study approach to identified novel genetic factors defiing sensitivity to different VAs. You will contribute to this work by performing whole-brain calcium imaging to explore the effects on different VAs on the activity of different brain region, and genetic manipulations to characteristic candidate molecular targets.

Although most of your time will be dedicated to your research project, you will also be involved in undergraduate teaching (e.g., practical class preparation, literature reading classes).

Your qualifications

• A PhD degree in biology


• Strong interests and skills in genetics and neurobiology


• Extensive experience in Drosophila culture, quantitative behavioural analysis and calcium imaging


• Excellent scientific writing, communication and interpersonal skills, self-motivation and independence

What the position offers you

You will be supervised by Prof. Richard Benton, in a diverse, dynamic and international research laboratory. The working language is English.

The Center for Integrative Genomics encompasses 14 research labs investigating diverse fields related to functional genomics and offers state-of-the-art experimental facilities. Beyond the training in the host laboratory, numerous possibilities exist at UNIL for further professional education (e.g., in bioinformatics, imaging, soft-skills, career development).

Contact for further information

Informal requests for information can be made by email to: E-Mail schreiben

Your application

To apply you must upload as a single pdf document:

• a CV, including the name and contact details of 2-3 referees


• a motivation letter in English describing (i) your past research experience and accomplishments, and (ii) your scientific interests, and how they are a good match for the host laboratory and project

Deadline : 30.09.2026

Only applications through the University of Lausanne job portal will be taken into account (this website).

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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