PhD Position in Aging, Stem Cell Biology, Bioengineering and Regenerative Medicine

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.

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Join the Habib Lab

The Habib Lab (www.habiblab.org) works at the intersection of stem cell biology, bioengineering, regenerative medicine, and aging. Our research focuses on understanding how stem cells interact with their niche to drive tissue formation and regeneration. We have uncovered key mechanisms of stem cell–niche communication and developed innovative regenerative technologies, including novel bandages that promote bone repair. More recently, we identified how aging impairs the bone stem cell niche and osteoprogenitor function and developed rejuvenation strategies that restore bone regeneration, providing new therapeutic avenues for age-related tissue repair.

Job information

We are recruiting a PhD student (1-year + 2-year) to investigate how aging affects the function of adipose-derived skeletal stem cells and to develop strategies to rejuvenate these cells for improved tissue repair, with a particular focus on engineered human skin models.

Who We Are Looking For

We seek a highly motivated candidate with:

• An MSc in bioengineering, stem cell biology, aging biology, biomedical sciences, or a closely related field.


• A strong engineering mindset with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.


• Experience with image analysis and coding/programming.


• A genuine interest in translational research.


• Fluent in English; proficiency in French is an asset, or a willingness to learn French.

Applicants with a biology background who have strong engineering and computational skills are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please apply only if you meet the essential criteria.

Application Requirements

Submit the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages).


2. Cover Letter describing your academic background, research experience, and why you are an excellent fit for this position.


3. One-page research proposal outlining:
   
   
   • How you would investigate aging in adipose-derived skeletal stem cells.
   
   
   • Potential strategies to rejuvenate aged adipose-derived skeletal stem cells in vitro and how you would evaluate their effectiveness.
   
   
   • How you would study the contribution of adipose stem cells to engineered human skin.
     
     
   
   

Timeline

• Application deadline: 31 August 2026


• Interviews: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews will begin as applications are received.


• Start date: 1 October 2026.

Please note: No informal inquiries will be considered. Only applications submitted through the UNIL recruitment website will be considered.

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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