Postdoctoral position in bacterial cell envelope remodeling

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 postdoctoral position funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF).
Our research focuses on bacterial cell envelope biogenesis in the diderm model organisms Escherichia coli and Corynebacterium glutamicum. We study these fundamental processes using a multidisciplinary approach that integrates bacterial cell biology with live-cell fluorescence microscopy, cryo-electron tomography, genetics, biochemistry, and biophysics. Recent examples of our work on septal peptidoglycan (PG) remodeling during cell division in E. coli can be found here: Navarro and Vettiger et al., Nat Micro 2022 ; Navarro and Vettiger et al., bioRxiv 2025 .
The proposed postdoctoral project will build on this work and aims to develop new imaging-based readouts for bacterial cell envelope biogenesis. Such techniques have the potential to uncover new avenues to inhibit cell envelope biogenesis or could be used for rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing. 

Job information

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

Your responsibilities

The major aim of this project is to develop Fluorescence Lifetime Microscopy (FLIM) approaches in combination with microfluidics as readouts for bacterial susceptibility to antimicrobial compounds. To this end we will employ a label-free approach as well as distinct dyes that report on the integrity of the bacterial cell envelope. Once optimized our approaches will be tested with clinical samples through clinical collaborators. 

Your qualifications

-    PhD thesis (or planned defense at the time of application) in microbiology, cell biology, biotechnology or related field.
-    Demonstrated interest and skills in imaging techniques and quantitative analyses
-    Curious and open mind with high motivation to excel in science
-    Proactive and supportive esprit, as you will join a collaborative research group
-    At least one first-author publication in a reputable, international peer-reviewed journal or preprint
-    Ideally previous experience in method development, microfluidics and/or handling clinical isolates. Interdisciplinary candidates are encouraged to apply!

What the position 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 lifetime microscope, microfluidics, 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 (according to SNSF guidelines) 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: Review of applications will start immediately until the position is filled.

Please include your full application in PDF format (motivation letter including a short description of previous research, CV, list of publications and the contact details of three referees).

Only applications submitted through this website will be considered. We thank you for your understanding.
 

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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