PhD position in structural biology of phages

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 Microbiology offers a PhD position in structural biology of phages.

 

Job information

Starting date : flexible, earliest May 2024
Length of contract : 1 year, renewable up to 4 years in total
Work percentage : 100%
Workplace : University of Lausanne

 

Your responsibilities

Our laboratory works on the structure of bacteriophages to address current questions regarding their infection cycle and interections with the host’s cell envelope by using cryo-electron tomography technologies. The overall aim of this PhD project will be to understand how bacteriophages modify bacterial surfaces.. The prospective candidate will apply cryo-electron microscopy to visualize phages in native conditions at high-resolution under different genetic (i.e. mutant) backgrounds, and use 3D image processing to study bacteria-phage interactions.

We are part of the Department of Fundamental Microbiology, a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary, and team-oriented scientific environment with expertise ranging from molecular biology, cellular microbiology and biochemistry to microbial ecology and evolution. Our group has strong ties to the Dubochet Center for Imaging (https://v1.dubochetcenter.ch/portfolio/dci-lausanne/instruments/) and the Electron Microscopy Facility of UNIL (https://wp.unil.ch/emf/microscopes-tem-sem/). We have access to two 300 kV Titan Krios, an Aquilos 2, various scanning electron microscopes,  a float 200-120 kV screening electron microscopes and light microscopes, systems for correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM, THUNDER Leica) and cryo-EM sample preparation equipment. We are generously funded through the Swiss National Science Foundation. Last but not least, our Department is situated on a beautiful campus at the shore of Lake Leman with a great view of the Alps and with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

 

For more information and recent publications from the lab, please visit the lab webpage at https://www.unil.ch/dmf/home/menuinst/research-units/navarro-paula.html  and https://scholar.google.ch/citations?hl=en&user=8ZGjOy0AAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate

 

At least 80% of the working time will be dedicated to personal research. The remaining of the working time may be dedicated to teaching (organization and supervision of students).

Your qualifications

Applicants should have a Master thesis or equivalent in molecular, structural, cell biology, microbiology or biophysics. Prior research experience in the fields of phage biology or cryo-electron microscopy is encouraged. We are looking for students who are interested in understanding how phages modify bacterial cells by interacting with their cell envelope to reproduce and propagate themselves (i.e. how phages kill bacteria and how bacteria defend themselves?). Applicants should also be motivated to establish novel approaches to study the phage infection cycle using cryo-electron microscopy. They should be driven by their curiosity for science and enjoy doing cryo-electron microscopy. A good command of the English language, a high personal motivation to excel in science and a curious mind for addressing standing questions in bacterial cell biology and electron microscopy imaging technologies are required. Experience with growing and propagating phages is required. Experience with cryo-electron microscopy is beneficial but not required. We offer a stimulating environment in a young international research group that uses integrative approaches combining state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscopy imaging, experimental cell biology techniques and image processing to study phage infection.

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.

Contact for further information

For questions concerning the application, position, or research topic, or in case of problems with accessing the UNIL career portal using the above link, please do not hesitate to contact us: paula_pereznavarro@hms.harvard.edu

Your application

Deadline : 01.05.2024

Please submit your full application including motivation letter, CV, list of publications (if available) and the names and addresses of two referees via the official UNIL career portal. The application should be written in English.

 

Only applications through the official website will be considered. We thank you for your understanding.

 

 

 

Additional information

UNIL is committed to equal opportunities and diversity.
www.unil.ch/egalite

UNIL supports early career researchers.
www.unil.ch/graduatecampus