PhD position in Bacterial Cell Wall Biogenesis

Introduction

The University of Lausanne is a higher education and research institution comprising seven faculties, where approximately 15,500 students and researchers from over 120 nationalities study and work on key aspects of science and technology. As an employer, UNIL promotes excellence, individual recognition, and responsibility. The Dorigny campus is ideally located along the shores of Lake Geneva, near the city center of Lausanne and in close proximity to EPFL.

Presentation

The Vettiger Lab at the Department of Fundamental Microbiology (DMF), University of Lausanne, Switzerland, invites applications for a PhD position funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). 
Our research focuses on bacterial cell envelope biogenesis, a fundamental process essential for bacterial morphogenesis and a key target of many antibiotics. Particularly, we have a long-lasting interested in uncovering the spatiotemporal regulation of cell wall remodeling. To address these questions, we employ a multidisciplinary approach that integrates bacterial cell biology with live-cell fluorescence microscopy, cryo-electron tomography, genetics, biochemistry, and biophysics. Recently, we combined these methods to elucidate the molecular mechanism of septal peptidoglycan remodeling during E. coli cell division ( Navarro and Vettiger et al., Nat Micro 2022 ; Navarro and Vettiger et al., bioRxiv 2025 ).
The proposed PhD project will build on this work and aims to understand how peptidoglycan (PG) synthesis and hydrolysis are coordinated during cell wall elongation, enabling rapid expansion while preserving its structural integrity.

Job information

Expected start date: between 01.07.2025 – 01.12.2025
Contract length : 1 year, maximum 4 years
Activity rate : 100%
Workplace : University of Lausanne, Doringy Campus.

Your responsibilities

The selected candidate will work on a cutting-edge project investigating the spatial and temporal coordination between cell wall synthases and hydrolases—both at the single-molecule level and across the entire peptidoglycan sacculus. The project involves designing and conducting innovative experiments combining biochemistry, genetics, and advanced imaging techniques to address fundamental questions in bacterial cell biology.

Your qualifications

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in biological sciences or a related discipline and demonstrate a strong motivation for fundamental research. Prior experience in biochemistry, molecular microbiology, and/or fluorescence microscopy is required. A solid foundation in programming, single-cell analyses, and data visualization are highly desired. As part of an international research group, the successful candidate should possess excellent communication skills in English.

What the post offers you

We offer a stimulating and supportive position within a highly motivated and interdisciplinary research environment. The lab has access to state-of-the-art fluorescence and electron microscopy facilities, as well as numerous core facilities and technology platforms across the University of Lausanne and EPFL. In addition to training within the host laboratory, the position provides ample opportunities for collaboration and continued professional development.
The position includes a competitive salary and the opportunity to live in a region known for its exceptional quality of life—featuring immediate access to Lake Geneva, the Alps, and a vibrant cultural scene in and around Lausanne.

Contact for further information

Prof. Andrea Vettiger: E-Mail schreiben, 

Your application

Application deadline: 15.06.2025
Please apply through the UNIL Job website and include your full application (motivation letter including a short description of previous research, CV with months and years and contact details of three referees) as pdf. Only applications through this website will be taken into account.

Complementary 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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