Graduate Assistants (PhD students) in plant specialized metabolism

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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Presentation

The Department of Plant Molecular Biology (DBMV) of the University of Lausanne is offering two fully funded PhD student positions at the new research group of Maite Colinas on plant specialized metabolism, starting in January 2027.

Plants produce an extraordinary chemical diversity of specialized metabolites that mediate interactions with organisms from all kingdoms of life, and many of them are high-value compounds for humans, e.g., as essential medicines. Our group is interested in understanding the evolution of specialized metabolism as a whole, from biosynthetic enzymes to the transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms that regulate the pathways (see our current website:https://www.ice.mpg.de/462054/evolution-and-regulation-of-natural-product-biosynthesis). Building on recent key enzyme discoveries in iridoid and iridoid-derived alkaloid biosynthesis (Nat. Chem. Biol. 2025; Nat. Plants 2025; Angew. Chem. 2026) we aim to identify missing enzymes, uncover the regulatory mechanisms that co-evolved with them, and to understand the evolution and development of the specialized cell types in which these metabolites are made. Although we predominantly conduct fundamental research, our discoveries inform metabolic engineering approaches for the sustainable production of high-value bioactive compounds. This is an exciting opportunity for those interested in working on projects at the intersection of plant chemistry, regulation, development, biotechnology, and plant-organism interactions. 

The DBMV currently hosts eight internationally recognized research groups focusing on diverse aspects of plant growth and development, molecular signaling, and plant-environment interactions using classical model species and crops. The department offers a wide range of expertise and a highly collaborative and friendly environment. 

Job information

Expected start date in position : spring 2027 (01.03.2027 at the earliest)

Contract length : 1 year, renewable 2 x 2 years, maximum 5 years

Activity rate : 90%

Workplace : Lausanne-Dorigny

Your responsibilities

The successful candidates will conduct independent research projects on the different above-mentioned topics of plant specialized metabolism. You will use state-of-the-art omics technologies (including single-cell approaches), protein biochemistry, and plant biotechnology, among others. Your work will include designing and performing experiments, analyzing and interpreting the results, presenting at internal group meetings, department seminars, and conferences, and writing manuscripts. Part of your working time will be dedicated to teaching assistance of undergraduate biology students and supervision of student research projects

Your qualifications

• An MSc degree (or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines (recently or soon-to-be awarded) 


• Strong interest in plants (in particular non-classical model species), specialized metabolism, data analysis (genomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics), as well as plant biotic interactions


• High motivation and ability to learn and develop new methods and techniques


• Solid knowledge of molecular biology and biochemistry


• Excellent writing and oral communication skills in English


• Experience with mass spectrometry, single-cell technologies, and/or programming is considered a plus but not essential

What the position offers you

You will join a highly motivated research group and receive training in a diverse set of topics and methods, as well as mentorship for your academic career. The lab is located in the Biophore building on the Dorigny campus next to Lake Léman close to the alps. The DBMV is highly international, and offers a dynamic, interactive, and collaborative environment. English is the working language in the group and at the department. In addition to our well-equipped lab, you will have access to the department’s state-of-the-art shared equipment and infrastructure. The Faculty also hosts excellent core research facilities for genomic technologies, flow cytometry, metabolomics, microscopy, and more, and additional platforms are accessible at the neighbouring EPFL campus. As a PhD student you will be enrolled in the doctoral school of the Faculty of Biology and Medicine, and have ample opportunities for professional development.

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.

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Contact for further information

Dr. Maite Colinas (E-Mail schreiben)

Your application

Deadline : Applications will be reviewed from December 1st, 2026 onwards and continue until the positions are filled. The ideal start date is between March and May 2027.

Please submit your application in English as a single PDF document including:

• A letter of motivation (1 page) describing your research interests and experience, and in particular why this research topic and our lab interests you


• A CV


• Copies of MSc degree certificate and/or transcript of records 


• Contact information of 2-3 referees

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.

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