"Tenure Track Assistant Professor towards Associate Professor in plant-organism interactions"

The Faculty of Biology and Medicine (FBM) of the University of Lausanne is inviting applications for the position of Tenure Track Assistant Professor towards Associate Professor at the Department of Plant Molecular Biology.

Starting date: January 2027 or to be agreed. Place: Lausanne, Switzerland. Contract length: 2 years, renewable twice. Rate: 100%.

The Department of Plant Molecular Biology is opening a position in Plant-organism interactions, including the study of plants interacting with insects, bacteria, fungi, viruses, or plants.

Main tasks – Research:

• In the field of Plant-organism interactions, conduct independent and innovative research of world quality, fundamental and financed by appraised funds and published in international journals.
• In compliance with legal and ethical provisions, ensure the direction of a research group, coordinate its research with that developed in other groups, in a spirit of collaboration, and participate in the preparation of the next generation of academics.
• Collaborate in the scientific and academic life of the Department and the Faculty, ensure influence at a regional, national, and international level, while actively participating in international congresses.

Main tasks – Teaching:

• Take part in post-graduate courses (structured teaching, management of master's theses, options courses, practical work, management).
• Contribute to thesis directorates and thesis committees/juries of MD, PhD, and MD-PhD, as well as doctoral programs.
• Organize and participate in internal and external seminars.

UNIL is committed to promoting diversity and gender equality and strongly encourages applications from female candidates.

Desired profile:

• PhD in Science with specialization and experience in the field of Plant-organism interactions.
• Strong track record in research, as attested by impactful publications in international, peer-reviewed journals.
• Evidence of ability to secure competitive research funds.
• Evidence of teaching/supervision experience.
• Advanced managerial skills, particularly in team and project management.
• The working language of the DBMV is English, but proficiency in French (at least B2 level) or ability to acquire it within 1-2 years is desirable.

The Department has excellent experimental facilities, including state-of-the-art plant growth facilities and access to the latest imaging, proteomics, genomics, and bioinformatics platforms. The successful candidate will receive installation credit as well as an annual research and consumable endowment in a dynamic research environment.

Further information may be obtained from Prof. Niko Geldner (Niko.Geldner@unil.ch), Director of the DBMV.

Applications, in English, should include: i) a motivation letter, ii) a curriculum vitae, iii) a list of publications highlighting the five most significant ones, iv) a brief statement (5 pages max.) of past and future research, v) a summary of previous teaching experience (if applicable), vi) the names and contact information of at least three references, vii) a copy of diplomas, and viii) a valid identity card.

Full applications should be submitted online as a single PDF file to the University’s website by November 30th, 2025 (23:59 GMT+1). Only applications sent through this site will be considered.