PhD position in structural cell biology

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 Navarro lab offers a PhD position (SNSF) in structural cell biology at the Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
The Navarro lab is interested in understanding how bacteria remodel their cell envelope to carry out complex cellular processes such as growth, division and morphogenesis. We are an interdisciplinary team of young researchers that combine state-of-the-art cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) and image processing with genetics, experimental bacteriology and light microscopy. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of cryo-ET, image processing, and bacterial cell biology.

Job information

Expected start date: earliest 01.09.2025
Contract length: 1 year, maximum 4 years
Activity rate: 100%
Workplace: University of Lausanne

Your responsibilities

The successful candidate will join ongoing efforts to image native cellular environments using cryo-focused ion beam milling (cryo-FIB), correlative light and electron microscopy (cryo-CLEM), cryo-electron tomography and subtomogram averaging (STA).
The qualified candidate will benefit from working in a very stimulating and international research environment in a motivated team with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a competitive salary. The project will be conducted in collaboration with PhD students and postdocs within the group, and further with members of Castaño lab and the Caflisch lab .

Your qualifications

Applicants should hold a Master thesis or equivalent in molecular biology, structural biology, cellular biology, microbiology, computation or biophysics. Prior research experience in the fields of cryo-electron microscopy and/or microbiology, biochemistry is encouraged. Strong candidates will have experience in cryo-EM/cryo-ET or other imaging techniques (AFM, FM) and/or cellular and molecular microbiology. We are looking for students who are interested in understanding bacterial cell biology applying advanced imaging methods as cryo-electron tomography and cryo-electron microscopy. Applicants should also be motivated to establish novel approaches to determine protein structures using advanced image processing for cryo-ET and STA. 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 using cryo-electron microscopy imaging are required. The ideal candidate should be highly interactive and capable of independent research in a team environment. 

What the position offers you

We offer a stimulating environment in a young international research group that uses integrative approaches combining state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) imaging, experimental molecular and cellular microbiology and advanced image processing for cryo-electron tomography. 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 links with the Dubochet Center for Imaging and the Electron Microscopy Facility of UNIL . We have access to three 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. A solid infrastructure and training for the computational aspects of the projects will be provided by centralized services on site at UNIL. 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.

Contact for further information

For questions concerning the application, position, or research topic, or in case of problems with accessing the UNIL career portal please contact:
Prof. Paula Navarro: E-Mail schreiben

Your application

Application deadline: 30.06.2025
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. Only applications through the official website will be considered.
The application should be written in English.
Review of applications will start immediately until the position is filled.

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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