PhD position: Consequences of heat-treated dietary lipids for cognitive performance in Drosophila

Introduction

The University of Lausanne (UNIL) is an institution of research and higher education consisting of seven faculties, where more than 17,000 students and nearly 5,000 professors, researchers and staff work and study. Ideally situated along the lake of Geneva, near Lausanne city center, its campus brings together over 130 nationalities. 

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Presentation

A PhD student position funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation is available in Prof. Tadeusz Kawecki's lab at the Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland ( https://www.unil.ch/fbm/en/home/menuinst/recherche/ssf/dee/recherche/kawecki-lab.html) . The lab focuses on understanding short-term adaptive evolution using experimental approaches, with Drosophila as the study system. We are looking for a candidate for a project on direct and evolutionary consequences of consuming heat-treated lipids for cognitive performance of Drosophila flies.

Job information

Expected start date: ideally February or March 2027

Contract length : The initial contract is for 1 year, renewable for a maximum of 4 years in total, depending on funding

Activity rate: 100%

Workplace: Lausanne-Dorigny

Annual gross salary: CHF 61’000

Your responsibilities

The PhD project will be part of a new international research program "Heat-treated dietary lipids: chemistry, physiology, evolution". This program is motivated by the fact that humans are unique in obtaining most of their dietary lipids from food that has been cooked, roasted or fried. This induces extensive modification of lipids, but the consequences for physiology and evolution are largely unknown. In this framework the candidate will study the consequences of feeding on heat-treated lipids for the performance of fruit flies in complex behavioral/cognitive tasks relying on learning and memory. This includes aversive olfactory learning, identifying a receptive mate or choosing oviposition sites. The project will also use experimental evolution to study the consequences of genetically-based adaptation to heat-treated dietary lipids for cognitive performance and study the associated changes in brain metabolome. 

The student will join a doctoral program, which will offer a variety of graduate courses and workshops, and will be embedded in the overall heat-treated lipids research program and thus expected to participate in the meetings with other researchers involved in it. She or he will also act as a teaching assistant for courses corresponding to your expertise and interest. However, at least 80% of the working time will be devoted to research towards the PhD degree.

Your qualifications

We are looking for candidates with a Masters degree in biology, a strong motivation for experimental research in insect behavior, solid understanding of statistics and experimental design, and aptitude for laboratory research. Some experience with experimental work with Drosophila or other insects or experience / aptitude to work with machine learning tools to extract behavioral data from videos would be a plus. Desired personal traits include scientific curiosity and honesty, independence and reliability in planning and carrying out experiments, good interpersonal skills and teamwork ability, and good communication skills. No-preexisting knowledge of French is required (research-related discussions, seminars etc. and a part of teaching are in English) but learning basic French would make living in Lausanne more enjoyable.  

What the position offers you

The PhD student will join a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment, with opportunities for professional training and personal development. The Department of Ecology and Evolution in Lausanne University hosts research groups working on a broad range of topics, producing a rich intellectual and social life. Although French is the common language in Lausanne region, the department research activities and seminars are conducted in English. The city offers a wide cultural offer, while the proximity of the lake and the Alps offer diverse outdoor activities.

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Contact for further information

Professor Tadeusz KAWECKI

E-Mail schreiben

Your application

Deadline: 18/10/2026

Applications should include:

• A letter containing a description of your research interests, as well as your motivation and fit for this position


• Your CV


• A summary (ca. 1 page) of your master thesis and other research experience


• A copy your of master certificate/diploma (or the expected data of obtaining it)


• The contact details (email) of 2-3 referees

To receive full consideration, application documents must be uploaded online through the University of Lausanne recruitment platform.

Applications will be reviewed as they arrive.

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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