DBC : Tenure track assistant in AI-oriented computational 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 Department of Computational Biology ( DBC ) is internationally renowned for its excellence in research pertaining to the analysis of complex and large-scale biological data through the design and application of novel computational approaches. The DBC is looking for a scientist in the early stage of their career but with a proven track record in computational biology and the modeling of biological systems. Their research focus should be centered on the development of AI-inspired approaches for biology and research on cryo-electron microscopy data: interactions with the recently created Dubochet Center for Imaging are highly encouraged.

One or two of the following research topics should be covered in the application:

• Machine Learning and AI-inspired approaches to study biological or biomedical data with a particular focus on imaging data so as to welcome evolutionary analysis of large-scale molecular or imaging data using statistical and computational methods


• Modeling of large-scale data, in particular omics (genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, etc.) and/or imaging data, across biological scales to study molecular and other biological processes involved in evolution

Job information

Starting date: 2025-26

Place: Lausanne, Switzerland

Contract length: 2 years, renewable twice, max. 6 years

Rate: 100%

Your responsibilities

• Research: develop an internationally recognized research program funded by external sources (70%)


• Teaching: supervise Master and PhD students and participate in teaching activities organized by the Department (25%).


• Administrative tasks (5%)

The full job description is available on this link .

Your qualifications

UNIL is committed to promoting gender equality and diversity and strongly encourages applications from female candidates www.unil.ch/egalite .

• PhD in biomedical sciences, computer sciences, mathematics, physics or engineering


• Successful track-record of research achievements, original ideas and successful funding applications


• Existing managerial skills (management of teams and various projects)


• Fluency in English and a good knowledge of French or ability to acquire it quickly.


• Proven skills in interdisciplinary collaborations and networking

What the position offers you

The Department has excellent computational facilities and access to the latest computer infrastructure. A wet lab is also available. Access to imaging, metabolomics, proteomics, and genomics facilities is easily available on campus, in particular the Dubochet Center for Imaging located in the same building as the DBC. A start-up package as well as a yearly research allowance for positions and consumables will be available within a dynamic research environment. The job description is available on the University’s website.

We offer a pleasant working atmosphere in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment. There are possibilities for continuing professional education and a multitude of activities and other benefits to discover.

Contact for further information

Further information may be obtained from Prof Renaud Du Pasquier, Dean of the Faculty (E-Mail schreiben), or from Prof. Nicolas Salamin (E-Mail schreiben), Head of the Department of Computational Biology.

For all questions regarding the DCI specifically, please contact DreSc. Christel Genoud (E-Mail schreiben) Executive Director of Dubochet Center of Imaging.

Your application

Applications, in English, should include i) a motivation letter, ii) a curriculum vitae, iii) a list of publications highlighting and summarizing the five most significant ones from the point of view of the candidate, iv) a brief statement (5 pages max.) of the past and future research, v) a summary of previous teaching experience, vi) your vision for the development of the field in the middle/long term, vii) the names and contact information of at least three references and viii) a copy of diplomas and a valid ID. Full applications should be submitted online as a single PDF file by 31st May 2025 (23:59 GMT+1). Only applications sent through this site will be considered.

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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unil.ch/graduatecampus