UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 15,500 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 a position of:

Tenure Track Assistant Professor towards Associate Professor in Molecular Microbiology
within the Department of Fundamental Microbiology

Starting date: Fall 2026                                           

Place: Lausanne, Switzerland

Contract length: 6 years                                          

Rate: 100%

The Department of Fundamental Microbiology (DMF) is looking for a junior individual whose experimental research excels in the broad field of experimental molecular microbiology, such as the study of mobile genetic elements, genome plasticity, microbial gene and cellular regulation, antimicrobial resistance or evolution. We welcome all experimental microbial models (e.g. bacteria, archaea, unicellular eukaryotes, bacteriophages).

The Department has excellent experimental facilities and access to the latest light microscopy imaging (CIF), cryo-electron microscopy technologies (DCI and EMF), genomics (GTF), proteomics (PAF) and metabolomics (MEP) platforms on campus. A start-up package, as well as a yearly research allowance for salaries and consumables, will be available from the Department within a dynamic research environment.

Main missions :

• Lead and define the objectives of an independent research group in the field of molecular microbiology.
• Obtain external funding and publish in recognized scientific journals.
• Present work at international conferences.
• Coordinate their own research with other DMF groups, and develop collaborations.
• Assume the teaching responsibility for biology students, in the field of molecular microbiology in the broadest sense.
• Supervise Masters and PhD students.
• Organize and participate in the Department's internal and external seminars and various Faculty and University activities and tasks.

UNIL is committed to promoting gender equality and diversity and strongly encourages applications from female candidates www.unil.ch/egalite.

Desired profile :

• PhD in Science, with specialization in molecular microbiology.
• Strong research background, publications in high-level international journals and ability to raise funds.
• Pedagogical knowledge of academic level with confirmed practice in basic teaching of microbiology.
• Advanced managerial skills (management of various teams and projects).
• Preference will be given to a personality open to communication and cooperation, able to stimulate young colleagues.
• French knowledges or ability to acquire it quickly (level at least B2, C1 ideally). Note that pre-existing knowledge of French is not required but the selected candidate is expected to be able to teach in French within the 4-year probationary period.
  
  

Further information may be obtained from Prof. Jan-Willem Veening (Jan-Willem.Veening@unil.ch), Director of the Department of Fundamental Microbiology.

Applications, in English, should include 1) a motivation letter, 2) a curriculum vitae, 3) a list of publications highlighting the five most significant ones, 4) a brief statement of the past and future research, 5) a summary of previous teaching experience, 6) your vision of the field's development in the mid/long term, 7) names and contact information of at least three references, 8) a copy of diplomas and a valid ID card.

They should be submitted online by August 10^th, 2025 (23:59 GMT+1) as a single PDF file by clicking the apply button. Only applications sent through this site will be considered.

The job description is available down below.

We offer a positive working atmosphere in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment. Numerous possibilities for continuing professional education are offered, as well as a multitude of other activities and benefits.