PhD student in Neurodevelopmental biology

Introduction

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

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Presentation

The Department of Fundamental Neurosciences of the University of Lausanne invites applications for a PhD Student position in the research group of Prof Sophie Croizier. The Croizier lab works on the development of hypothalamic circuits controlling energy and glucose homeostasis. For more details, please consult the current website of the group:https://dnf-unil.ch/group/development-and-plasticity-of-hypothalamic-circuits

Job information

Expected start date: 01.09.2026 or to be discussed

Contract length: 1 year, renewable, maximum 4 years.   

Activity rate: 100%

Workplace: University of Lausanne, Department of Fundamental Neurosciences (DNF), https://www.unil.ch/dnf/en/home/menuinst/a-propos-du-dnf.html

Your responsibilities

The successful candidate will help to determine the mechanisms underlying hypothalamic POMC neuron wiring. This work will rely on multidisciplinary approaches including histological techniques (immunohistochemistry, brain clearing, RNAscope in situ hybridization), molecular biology (RT-qPCR, Western blot), bioinformatics (with support from facility), ex vivo approaches to visualize axon growth, microscopy/image analysis, and in utero manipulation.

Your qualifications

In order to complete our team, we are looking for someone with the following skills:

• Experience in histological approaches,


• Experience in mouse manipulation,


• Authorization for animal experimentation is advised,


• Motivated, dynamic, and enthusiastic student with a master thesis in life science, interested in working in a highlyinteractive environment,


• Excellent command of oral and written English.

What the position offers you

We offer a nice working place in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment. Opportunities for professional training, a lot of activities and other benefits to discover.

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Contact for further information

Sophie Croizier, PhD

e-mail: [email protected]

Your application

Deadline : 25.06.2026

Please, send your full application in PDF. The complete application should contain:

• Motivation letter


• Curriculum vitae including lists of publications, conferences, awards and description of experimental skills.

Only applications through this website will be taken into account.

We thank you for your understanding.

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.

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