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: Prof. Sebastian Soyk is looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Plant Genomics to join his research group at the Center for Integrative Genomics (CIG) at the University of Lausanne. The Soyk lab investigates molecular mechanisms that regulate stem cell differentiation in plants and studies how stem cell activities changed during crop domestication.
Job information
Expected start date: 01.01.2023 or to be agreed
Contract length: 1 year, renewable up to 3 years
Activity rate: 100%
Workplace: University of Lausanne, Dorigny, Center for Integrative Genomics
Your responsibilities
The candidates will join a highly-motivated and diverse group of researchers who study the genetics and genomics of crop domestication using tomato and related species as model system. The successful candidate will perform research on a project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation to investigate variation in gene regulatory sequences in the context of crop domestication. More specifically, the candidate will identify genome-wide changes in regulatory sequences that affected flowering during tomato domestication and engineer novel regulatory sequence variation by genome editing.
The candidate will conduct cutting-edge approaches in genomics, bioinformatics, and molecular biology, including novel applications of next-generation sequencing and precision genome editing. The project will include wet and dry lab experiments, and activities in growth chambers and greenhouses.
The candidate is expected to closely collaborate with other group members and external collaborators, and to assist in mentoring MSc and PhD students. Funding for the position is available but the candidate will be expected to apply for personal fellowship programs. We encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds to apply.
Your qualifications
We are a young research group looking for highly-motivated and talented candidates with a strong interest in gene expression regulation, genome structure and function, and crop evolution. Applicants should hold a PhD degree with a strong background in biology and have an interest in plant science.
Advanced knowledge of genetics and bioinformatics is essential, together with a motivation to learn and develop new methods and techniques. Experience in genome editing and transcription factor biology would be advantageous. Candidates should be excited about science, highly organized, and capable of working independently and within the team, and are expected to be fluent in English (spoken and written).
What the position offers you
The Soyk lab is hosted at the Center of Integrative Genomics (CIG) at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), a vibrant, well-funded institute with a focus on functional genomics and equipped with state-of-the-art core facilities including a Genomic Technologies Facility (GTF) and Bioinformatics Competence Center (BICC). Embedded in the broader Lausanne research environment that includes two schools of higher education (UNIL, EPFL), Ludwig Center for Cancer Research, University Hospital, and a cluster of biotech companies flourishing in the larger Leman lake area, we offer a great working place in a multicultural, diversified and dynamic academic environment.
Contact for further information
Informal enquiries should be sent to Prof. Sebastian Soyk sebastian.soyk@unil.ch
Your application
Deadline: 31st December 2022
Please submit your full application comprising: (1) Short motivation letter detailing your research interests and experience (max. one page), (2) Curriculum Vitae including list of publications, conferences, awards, and a description of experimental skills, (3) a copy of your PhD degree certificate, and (4) contact details for 2-3 academic referees. Only applications through APPLY NOW will be considered.