Postdoctoral position in Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Metabolic Health

Introduction

The University of Lausanne (UNIL) is a leading public institution of higher education and research in Switzerland. It is composed of seven faculties for a total of approximately 17’000 students and employs around 5’000 researchers, teachers and technical staff. Life sciences and medicine is one of its three main axis of research, together with social and environmental sciences. The hosting laboratory is part of the Department of Biomedical Sciences (DBS) within the Faculty of Biology and Medicine (FBM) at UNIL. It benefits from close proximity to the Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), consistently ranked among the world’s top 10 academic medical centers, fostering a rich and collaborative biomedical research environment.

Presentation

The laboratory of Prof. Yibo Wu at DBS investigates the molecular mechanisms linking white adipose tissue (WAT) inflammation to obesity, its metabolic complications, and responses to emerging therapies. We use systems biology and state-of-the-art omics technologies to uncover fundamental mechanisms governing human metabolic health.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in metabolism and adipose tissue biology to lead innovative, interdisciplinary projects. Using both in vitro and in vivo models, the successful candidate will perform functional validation of candidate genes and advance our mechanistic understanding of adipose tissue function.

Job information

Expected start date: 01.01.2026 or upon agreement
Contract duration: 1 year contract with possibility of renewal
Percentage of activity: 100% 
Location: Lausanne, UNIL-FBM Bugnon 

Your responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Researcher will:
    •    Lead mechanistic studies on adipose tissue inflammation, heterogeneity, and metabolic function under physiological and therapeutic conditions.
    •    Establish and apply mouse models of obesity and metabolic disease, including genetic models (e.g., transgenics, conditional knockouts) and pharmacological interventions.
    •    Perform a range of cell biology techniques, including primary cell isolation and culture, and conduct metabolic functional assays following gene silencing or overexpression.
    •    Design and optimize sample preparation for multi-omics analyses (proteomics, metabolomics, single-cell omics).
    •    Collaborate with computational team members for systems-level data integration.
    •    Contribute to manuscripts, grant applications, and presentations at conferences.
    •    Mentor and train students.

Your qualifications

Required:
    •    Ph.D. in cell biology, biochemistry, physiology, molecular medicine, or related field.
    •    Strong expertise in adipose tissue physiology and metabolism
    •    Experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques and genetic mouse models, including gene silencing and overexpression, transgenics, conditional knockouts, and metabolic functional assays.
    •    Demonstrated ability to design and execute hypothesis-driven research.
    •    Strong organizational and communication skills, ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team.

Desirable:
    •    Experience with in vivo models of metabolic disease (e.g., DIO mice) 
    •    Knowledge of omics analyses (proteomics, metabolomics, scRNA-seq).
    •    Interest in translational research and therapeutic development.

What the position offers you

You will join a growing research group dedicated to understanding obesity and metabolic diseases through cutting-edge proteomics and systems biology. You'll be at the forefront of innovative research, leading projects that combine advanced techniques to decode molecular mechanisms impacting human metabolic health. 
The group is committed to your academic and professional growth, offering a dynamic and supportive research environment. You'll have access to state-of-the-art mass spectrometry and other experimental tools, along with mentorship from experts across disciplines. We offer ample opportunities to present your work at prestigious conferences and publish in high-impact journals, fostering your development as an independent scientist.
Beyond the scientific advantages, you'll thrive in a stimulating and interdisciplinary research environment with access to world-class core facilities and attractive employment conditions in Switzerland. The position is located on the UNIL/CHUV medical campus in Lausanne, close to EPFL, offering an intellectually stimulating atmosphere just minutes from Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps.

Contact for further information

Prof. Yibo Wu
E-Mail schreiben

Your application

To apply, please submit your full application in pdf.

The complete application should contain:
·      Cover letter outlining your motivation for the Postdoc position, relevant research experience and future career goals
·      Curriculum vitae
·      Academic diploma
·      List of publications
·      Contact information for three references
Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.

Only applications submitted through the official recruitment portal 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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