PhD student in Plant Genetics, Lausanne

Career Opportunities: PhD student in Plant Genetics (22766) Requisition ID 22766 -Posted - Type of position (1) - Area of Activity (1) - Rate of Participation (1) - Faculty / Service (1) - Personnel Category (1)

Prof. Sebastian Soyk is recruiting a

PhD student in Plant Genetics

to join his research group at the Department for Molecular Plant Biology (DBMV) at the University of Lausanne (UNIL). The Soyk lab investigates genetic and molecular mechanisms that regulate stem cell differentiation in plants and studies how stem cell activities changed during crop domestication.

Job information Expected start date in position : 01.07.2026 / or to be agreed

Contract length : 1 year, renewable, maximum 4 years

Activity rate : 100%

Your responsibilities The candidate will join a highly motivated and diverse group of researchers who study the molecular 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 the regulation of gene expression in the context of crop domestication. More specifically, the candidate will study natural variation in transcription factor complexes and their cognate regulatory sequences that control flower formation in tomato. The candidate will conduct cutting‑edge approaches in molecular biology and genomics, including genome‑wide transcription factor binding assays, spatial gene expression analyses, and precision genome editing. The project will include wet and dry lab experiments, and activities in growth chambers and greenhouses. The candidate isexpected to closely collaborate with other group members and external collaborators. We encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds to apply. At least half of the working time will be dedicated to the doctoral research. The rest of the time will be dedicated to various academic functions including some teaching assistance of undergraduate biology students.

We are a dynamic 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 MSc degree (or equivalent) with a strong background in biology and have an interest in plant science. Advanced knowledge of genetics and molecular biology is essential, together with a strong motivation to learn new concepts and develop new methods and techniques. Experience in protein‑DNA interaction assays, genome editing, and confocal microscopy 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 Department for Plant Molecular Biology (DBMV) at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), a vibrant, well‑funded institute with access to state‑of‑the‑art core facilities for genomics, proteomics, imaging, and bioinformatics. Embedded in the broader Lausanne research environment that includes two schools of higher education (UNIL, EPFL) 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. The PhD student will be enrolled in the doctoral school of the Faculty of Biology and Medicine.

Additional information

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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