Open positions

Research Assistant in Bioinformatics Support (100%), Lausanne

The Department of Fundamental Microbiology of the University of Lausanne offers a research assistant position in bioinformatics support.

Your responsibilities
We are looking for a motivated bioinformatician to support the research groups in the Department of Fundamental Microbiology, and in particular, in association with the National Centre of Competence in Research Microbiomes. Combining computational, modeling, engineering and synthetic approaches, the NCCR Microbiomes aims to understand the unifying principles of microbiome functioning, to develop tools to diagnose microbiome status, and to devise strategies to intervene and restore imbalanced microbiomes. The selected individual will (i) establish and implement bioinformatics workflows to analyze microbiome sequencing datasets and provide open data accessibility, (ii) support and guide bioinformatics analysis and data management of NCCR-related projects across research groups, (iii) collaborate with other NCCR Microbiomes groups in development of microbiome data analysis, (iv) carry out their own research in the context of microbiome research.
The selected individual will be integrated in the research group of Prof. Philipp Engel, but will further work in close collaboration with the NCCR data management staff and other NCCR bioinformaticians (e.g. at the ETHZ). We offer a stimulating and international research environment with access to state of the art computational facilities.

About 50% of the work time will be dedicated to providing bioinformatics support for NCCR Microbiomes projects. 10% will be dedicated to teaching NCCR Microbiomes-related Master student courses. The remaining of the working time may be dedicated to personal research within the group of Prof. Engel.

Job information
Expected start date : between 01.09.2026 and 01.11.2026 (flexible)
Contract length: 1 year (renewable for up to 4 years)
Activity rate : 100%
Workplace : University of Lausanne

Your qualifications
Candidates should hold a PhD in life sciences with a focus on bioinformatics in the fields of microbial ecology and evolution/microbiome research. A strong background in experimental design, statistics, shotgun metagenomics and microbial genome analyses is mandatory, so is a strong expertise in running and setting up bioinformatics pipeline in HPC environments. Research experience with several different microbiomes (e.g. soil, plant, human, or animal microbiomes) is an asset. Proven experience of UNIX, Python, and R scripting is mandatory.
A good command of the English language, a high personal motivation to collaborate and support research projects, and strong communications skills are expected.

What the postion offers you
Our vision is to carry out research at the forefront of our field, while creating a friendly and inclusive environment, in which young scientists from different backgrounds can strive and feel empowered.
We offer plenty of opportunities for professional training, teaching, networking, outreach, and publishing.

Contact for further information
Prof. Philipp Engel: philipp.engel at unil.ch

Your application
Application deadline: Applications will be evaluated as they are received.
Please include your full application (motivation letter, CV, list of publications and other artefacts (e.g., GitHub or open data pages), and the contact details of two referees in Word or PDF format).
Only applications through UNIL Job website will be taken into account. We thank you for your understanding.

Specifications
Click here to view the specifications

Additional information
Seeking to promote an equitable representation of men and women among its staff, the University of Lausanne encourages applications from women.

Doctoral Student SNSF in Microbial Interaction Networks and Metabolic Ecology (100%), Lausanne

The Pacheco Lab in the Department of Fundamental Microbiology at the University of Lausanne offers a position as a Doctoral Student SNSF in microbial interaction networks and metabolic ecology (experimental or interdisciplinary experimental/computational focus).

Job information
Expected start date: flexible, earliest 01 September 2026
Contract length: 1 year, renewable
Activity rate: 100%
Workplace: University of Lausanne, Dorigny Campus

Your responsibilities
The Pacheco Lab has an open position to investigate how environmental conditions shape microbial interactions, with a particular focus on plant-associated systems.

In nature, microbes form complex communities whose functions are tightly linked to those of their host ecosystems. While previous work has shown that resource availability strongly influences microbial community composition, we still lack a mechanistic understanding of how environmental conditions – especially those associated with plant hosts – reshape microbial interactions.

A major challenge in microbial ecology is that interactions between microbes are not fixed, but instead depend on environmental context. Plant-associated environments, such as the rhizosphere, are characterized by complex and dynamic resource landscapes shaped by root exudates and spatial structure. These features are expected to fundamentally influence microbial cooperation, competition, and metabolic dependencies, yet the underlying principles governing these effects remain poorly understood.

Through this project, we aim to uncover how environmental context rewires microbial interaction networks through metabolic mechanisms. Using controlled experimental systems that mimic key features of plant-associated environments, the successful candidate will systematically investigate how changes in resource composition, temporal dynamics, and environmental structure influence interactions among bacteria. A central goal of the project is to move beyond pairwise interactions and develop a network-level understanding of how microbial communities respond to environmental complexity.

This work will contribute to a predictive framework linking metabolic traits, environmental conditions, and microbial interaction networks, with long-term applications in the rational design of microbial communities for plant health and environmental sustainability.

Your qualifications
We are looking for a motivated and curious candidate with a strong interest in microbial ecology and quantitative biology.

Applicants should have:

• A Master’s degree in microbiology, biology, bioengineering, systems biology, or related discipline
• Strong interest in microbial interactions, metabolism, and ecology
• Strong knowledge of bacterial metabolism and cell biology
• Practical experience with microbial culturing and general microbiological techniques
• Basic knowledge in programming
• Proficiency in English
• Strong personal drive for scientific research, a curious nature, and the capability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a growing interdisciplinary team
• Interdisciplinary candidates with experience in computational modeling or bioinformatics for microbial ecology are strongly encouraged to apply

What the post offers you
You will join a new and highly motivated interdisciplinary research group focused on understanding and engineering microbial interactions for host health and sustainability applications. Located in the Biophore building overlooking Lake Geneva and the Alps, our lab is embedded within the vibrant and international research environment of the Department of Fundamental Microbiology at the University of Lausanne. Our state-of-the-art biology and computational lab space is supported by UNIL’s excellent research infrastructure (e.g., computing cluster and sequencing, metabolomics, and microscopy facilities) and a collaborative network of leading researchers in microbial ecology, computational biology, sustainable agriculture, and medicine (e.g., NCCR Microbiomes, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, EPFL, and CHUV). UNIL is deeply integrated within the broader Lausanne community and region, which offers ample opportunities for professional training and a rich cultural life.
Please visit our website for more information on our group, research interests, and publications: https://pachecolab.com

Contact for further information
Prof. Alan Pacheco: alan.pacheco at unil.ch

Your application
Application deadline: Review of applications will start immediately until the position is filled.
Please include your full application in PDF format, including a motivation letter, a CV with grades, a short description of previous research, and the contact information of two references.
Only applications through the UNIL Job website will be considered

Complementary information
Seeking to promote an equitable representation of men and women among its staff, the University of Lausanne encourages applications from women.

Laboratory technician in molecular and microbiology (70-100%), Lausanne

The Engel lab offers a laboratory technician position in microbiology at the Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.

The Engel lab conducts interdisciplinary research in the fields of animal–microbe interactions and microbiome science. We investigate the interactions between gut bacteria and honey bees by combining experimental microbiology and insect biology with genomics and bioinformatics to uncover the mechanisms underlying host–microbe relationships and their ecological and evolutionary significance.

Your responsabilities
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented research technician with experience in experimental microbiology. The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing research projects focused on characterizing the interactions of individual bacterial strains and microbial communities with their insect hosts, assembling and analyzing complex communities in vitro, and processing samples for sequence analysis

In addition to experimental work, the technician will play a key role in laboratory management. Responsibilities include maintaining inventory, helping to manage procurement of supplies and reagents, and supporting the smooth operation of daily lab activities. This dual role offers an opportunity to engage in hands-on research while contributing to the organizational and operational efficiency of the lab.

Job information
Starting date : Sep 1, 2026 or by arrangement
Length of contract : at least until Sep 1, 2027
Work percentage : 70-100%
Workplace : University of Lausanne, Switzerland

Your qualifications
We are looking for a candidate with following qualifications, experience and skills:
•    An apprenticeship certificate (C.F.C), a Bachelor of Science or an equivalent or higher degree
•    Working experience in molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, insect biology or in a related field
•    Experience with PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, or bacterial culturing
•    Good time management and multitasking skills
•    Be capable of working independently and in a team
•    Work with careful diligence
•    Knowledge of oral and written English, knowledge of French is desirable
•    Highly motivated and willing to learn new techniques
•    Strong personal drive for scientific research, a curious nature, and the capability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a growing interdisciplinary team

What the post offers you
You will join a highly motivated interdisciplinary research group focused on understanding gut microbiota–host interactions using an innovative research model. This multifaceted position offers extensive training opportunities and flexible working hours. Located in the Biophore building overlooking Lake Geneva and the Alps, our lab is embedded within the vibrant and international research environment of the Department of Fundamental Microbiology at the University of Lausanne. Our state-of-the-art biology and computational lab space is supported by UNIL’s excellent research infrastructure (e.g., computing cluster and sequencing, metabolomics, and microscopy facilities) and a collaborative network of leading researchers in microbial ecology, computational biology, sustainable agriculture, and medicine (e.g., NCCR Microbiomes, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, EPFL, and CHUV). UNIL is deeply integrated within the broader Lausanne community and region, which offers ample opportunities for professional training and a rich cultural life.
Please visit our website for more information on our group, research interests, and publications: https://engelbeelab.com/

Contact for further information
Prof. Philipp Engel: philipp.engel at unil.ch

Your application
Please apply through the UNIL Job website.

Application deadline: Review of applications will start immediately until the position is filled. Please include your full application in PDF format, including a motivation letter, a CV with grades, a short description of previous research, and the contact information of two references.  Only applications through this website will be considered.

Specifications
Click here to view the specifications

Complementary information
Seeking to promote an equitable representation of men and women among its staff, the University of Lausanne encourages applications from women.