PhD Position in Neuroendocrinology and Gene Regulation

Introduction

The University of Lausanne (UNIL) is a leading public institution of higher education and research in Switzerland. It is composed of seven faculties for a total of approximately 17’000 students and employs around 5’000 researchers, teachers and technical staff. Life sciences and medicine is one of its three main axis of research, together with social and environmental sciences. The hosting laboratory is part of the Department of Biomedical Sciences (DBS) within the Faculty of Biology and Medicine (FBM) at UNIL. It benefits from close proximity to the Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), consistently ranked among the world’s top 10 academic medical centers, fostering a rich and collaborative biomedical research environment.

Presentation

The laboratory of Prof. Fanny Langlet at DBS is seeking applications from a highly motivated PhD candidate. Our research focuses on understanding how metabolic cues, such as nutrients and hormones, interact with the mediobasal hypothalamus to regulate energy balance and physiology. Specifically, our team aims to elucidate the anatomical, molecular, and functional interactions between glia and neurons in this brain region using an integrated approach that combines neuroanatomical, molecular, and physiological techniques.

Job information

Expected start date: 01.03.2026 or upon agreement
Contract duration: 3 years with possibility of renewal
Percentage of activity: 100%
Location: Lausanne, UNIL-FBM Bugnon campus

Your responsibilities

The successful candidate will conduct research in neuroendocrinology in close collaboration with two partner laboratories located in Poland and Germany.
The project aims to unravel the role of miRNA and circRNA in gene expression regulation within the hypothalamic-pituitary axis controlling energy balance. This interdisciplinary project will integrate a range of in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches, including:
Ø Biochemistry, molecular, and cell biology techniques
Ø Mouse physiology and neuroendocrine phenotyping

In addition, the candidate will:
Ø Collaborate closely with bioinformatic researchers to align computational hypotheses with experimental design and data generation
Ø Contribute to data visualization, manuscript preparation, and conference presentations

Your qualifications

We invite applications from highly motivated and dynamic candidates with a strong curiosity and commitment to understanding the complexity of gene expression regulation in the hypothalamus. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following qualifications and qualities:
Ø Strong interest in neuroendocrinology, with a background in neuroscience or molecular biology
Ø Experience in cell culture, with knowledge of sterile techniques
Ø Experience in animal experimentation (mouse physiology)
Ø Interest in transcriptomics and RNA biology
Ø A collaborative spirit and enthusiasm for contributing to a highly interactive research environment
Ø A curious, proactive, and independent mindset, with the ability to propose and design experiments
Ø Strong communication skills in English (both written and spoken)
Ø Excellent organizational abilities and a willingness to take part in the daily life of the laboratory

We look forward to collaborating with someone who shares our passion for research and is dedicated to making meaningful contributions.

What the position offers you

You will join a growing research group dedicated to understanding obesity and metabolic diseases through cutting-edge proteomics and systems biology. This PhD position places you at the forefront of innovative research, where you'll contribute to projects that combine advanced techniques to decode molecular mechanisms impacting human metabolic health.
Our group is committed to your academic and professional growth, offering a dynamic and supportive research environment. You'll have access to state-of-the-art mass spectrometry and other experimental tools, along with mentorship from experts across disciplines. We offer ample opportunities to present your work at prestigious conferences and publish in high-impact journals, fostering your development as an independent scientist.
Beyond the scientific advantages, you'll thrive in a stimulating and interdisciplinary research environment with access to world-class core facilities and attractive employment conditions in Switzerland. The position is located on the UNIL/CHUV medical campus in Lausanne, close to EPFL, offering an intellectually stimulating atmosphere just minutes from Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps.

Contact for further information

Prof. Fanny Langlet
E-mail :

Your application

Please send your full application in pdf. The complete application should contain:
· Cover letter outlining your motivation for the PhD position, relevant research experience and future research interests
· Curriculum vitae
· Academic diploma
· List of publications (if any)
· Contact information for three references

Review of applications will begin on December 20, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. Only applications submitted through the official recruitment portal will be considered.

Additional information

UNIL is committed to:
• 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.