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

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,500 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges sites. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility. The Faculty of Biology and Medicine (FBM) of the University of Lausanne is inviting applications for 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 (DBMV) is opening a position in Plant-organism interactions. This profile includes the study of plants interacting insects, bacteria, fungi, viruses or plants.

Main tasks – Research:

• In the field of Plant-organism interactions, conduct an independent and innovative research of world quality, fundamental and financed by appraised funds and published in international journals.
• In compliance with the 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 the 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, etc.

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.

The job description is available on the University’s website.

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 30^th, 2025  (23:59 GMT+1). Only applications sent through this site will be considered.

We offer a pleasant working atmosphere in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment. There are possibilities for continuing professional education and a multitude of activities and other benefits to discover.