PhD Student Position in Neuroscience

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

The Department of Fundamental Neurosciences of the University of Lausanne invites applications for a PhD student position in the research group of Julien Puyal. The Puyal lab investigates the mechanisms of cell death in perinatal brain injuries with a focus on the role of autophagy machinery in neuronal death. For more details, please consult the current website of the group: https://dnf-unil.ch/group/neuroprotection-for-neonatal-stroke-and-asphyxia  

Job information

Expected start date: 01.01.2026 or to be discussed

Contract length: 1 year, renewable, maximum 4 years.  

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 conduct an in-depth investigation into the intricate molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in converting autophagy—a critical physiological cellular degradation process—into a distinct mode of neuronal cell death that occurs under hypoxic-ischemic conditions, referred to as autophagic or autophagy-dependent cell death. This research project will incorporate a range of multidisciplinary approaches, drawing from fields such as biochemistry, as well as cell and molecular biology. The candidate will also employ various experimental models, including preclinical in vitro and in vivomodels of perinatal brain injuries, alongside the analysis of human autoptic brain samples. This multifaceted approach aims to unravel the complex biological underpinnings of neuronal injury and identify new potential therapeutic targets in the context of perinatal brain injuries.

Your qualifications

We invite applications for a PhD student who is highly motivated and dynamic, with a strong curiosity and a commitment to understanding the complexity of cell death mechanisms in hypoxic-ischemic brain injuries. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following qualities:

• A strong interest in neuroprotection, complemented by a background in neuroscience.  


• Experience in cell culture alongside a basic knowledge of sterility guidelines.  


• A background or enthusiasm for statistics and computational analysis.  


• A collaborative spirit with enthusiasm for contributing to a highly interactive research environment.  


• A curious and proactive mindset, eager to take initiative and propose innovative experiments.  


• Strong written and spoken English communication skills.  


• Excellent organizational abilities, along with an active contribution to the daily life of the laboratory.  

We look forward to collaborating with someone who shares our passion for research and is dedicated to making meaningful contributions.

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. 

Our lab is a translational research team that integrates the expertise of basic neuroscience researchers and clinical neonatologists. This position presents an exciting opportunity to investigate a key biological question while contributing to translational research aimed at developing neuroprotective strategies for neonatal brain injuries.

Contact for further information

Julien Puyal, PhD

e-mail: E-Mail schreiben

Your application

Deadline: 25.11.2025               

The complete application should contain:

• Motivation letter describing previous experience and future goals


• Curriculum vitae.

Contact information for 3 references

Please, send your full application in 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