University of Lausanne Fully Funded PhD Position in Plant Specialized Metabolism 2026 | Lausanne, Switzerland

The Department of Plant Molecular Biology (DBMV) at the University of Lausanne (UNIL) is offering two fully funded Graduate Assistant (PhD student) positions in Lausanne, Switzerland. Application deadline: 1 December 2026.

Job Details

Designation: Graduate Assistant / PhD Student (2 positions)

Host: University of Lausanne (UNIL), Department of Plant Molecular Biology (DBMV)

Research Group: Dr. Maite Colinas

Research Area: Plant specialized metabolism, molecular biology & biochemistry; evolution and regulation of natural product biosynthesis; metabolic engineering

Activity Rate: 90%

Contract: 1 year, renewable up to maximum 5 years (2 × 2 years)

Location: Biophore building, Dorigny Campus, Lausanne, Switzerland

Application Deadline: 1 December 2026 (applications reviewed until positions are filled)

Expected Start: Spring 2027 (from 1 March 2027 at the earliest)

Reference: SuccessFactors job req 23021

Key Responsibilities

  • Independent research with omics/single-cell approaches
  • Protein biochemistry and plant biotechnology
  • Presentations and manuscripts
  • Teaching assistance for undergraduate biology students

Eligibility Criteria

  • MSc degree (or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines (recently completed or soon-to-be awarded)
  • Strong interest in plants (esp. non-classical model species), specialized metabolism, and omics data analysis
  • Solid background in molecular biology and biochemistry; excellent English
  • Experience with mass spectrometry, single-cell technologies, and/or programming is an asset

Documents Required

A single English PDF containing:

  • 1-page motivation letter
  • CV
  • Degree/transcript
  • 2–3 referee contacts

How to Apply

Apply online via the official UNIL SuccessFactors career portal (job 23021) with a single English PDF.

Informal inquiries: [email protected]

Additional Information

Applications are reviewed until positions are filled.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ORIGINAL NOTIFICATION / APPLY ONLINE

Application deadline: 1 December 2026. Apply online via the official UNIL SuccessFactors career portal (job 23021).