Introduction

The University of Lausanne (UNIL) is a higher teaching and research institution composed of seven faculties where around 15,000 students and 5,000 researchers, collaborators, and professors work and study. Situated along the shores of Lake Geneva, near Lausanne’s city centre, its campus brings together over 120 nationalities.

Presentation

Prof. Richard Benton ( www.unil.ch/cig/benton ) at the Center for Integrative Genomics at UNIL is seeking a PhD student with a strong background and interest in neurobiology, genetics and molecular biology.

Job information

Expected start date in position : 01.03.2025

Contract length : 1 year, renewable, maximum 5 years

Activity rate : 85%

Workplace : University of Lausanne, Dorigny campus

Your responsibilities

How animals’ extraordinarily diverse behaviours have evolved is poorly understood. Relating interspecific behavioural differences to anatomical or physiological distinctions in neural circuits, and causal genetic variation, offers a powerful approach to inform how nervous systems develop, function and change. 

We have established a new model neurogenetic system, Drosophila sechellia, an island endemic that is closely related to the powerful laboratory model D. melanogaster. While D. sechellia retains global genomic and superficial morphological similarity to its cosmopolitan, generalist cousin, this species has adapted to a unique ecological niche, using Morinda fruit as a sole host for feeding and breeding. This species therefore offers an exceptional experimental system for comparative neuroscience.

The candidate will join a project aimed at comparing brain structure and function between these drosophilid species using genetic, imaging and behavioural approaches.

Relevant references:

Auer et al., Nature (2020) doi:10.1038/s41586-020-2073-7

Shahandeh et al., Nature (2024) doi:10.1038/s41586-024-08056-x

Auer & Shahandeh et al., Annual Rev Genetics (2021) doi: 10.1146/annurev-genet-071719-020719

Although most of your time will be dedicated to your research project, you will also be involved in undergraduate teaching (e.g., practical class preparation, literature reading classes).

Your qualifications

• A Master’s degree in molecular biology, genetics and/or neurobiology


• Strong interests/skills in genetics, neurobiology and evolution


• Excellent scientific writing, communication and interpersonal skills, self-motivation and independence

What the position offers you

You will be supervised by Prof. Richard Benton, in a diverse, dynamic and international research laboratory. The working language is English.

The Center for Integrative Genomics encompasses 15 research labs investigating diverse fields related to functional genomics and offers state-of-the-art experimental facilities. Beyond the training in the host laboratory, numerous possibilities exist at UNIL for further professional education (e.g., in bioinformatics, imaging, soft-skills, career development).

Contact for further information

Informal requests for information can be made by email to: E-Mail schreiben

Your application

Deadline : 07.02.2025

To apply you must upload as a single pdf document:

• a CV, including your grades, and the name and contact details of 2-3 referees


• a motivation letter in English describing your past research experience and your scientific interests, and how they are a good match for the host laboratory

Only applications through the University of Lausanne job portal will be taken into account (this website).

Additional information

UNIL is committed to equal opportunities and diversity.

www.unil.ch/egalite

UNIL supports early career researchers.

www.unil.ch/graduatecampus