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. UNIL, CHUV and FAA encourage excellence, individual recognition and responsibility. The Faculty of Biology and Medicine (FBM), The Board of the Fondation Asile des Aveugles (FAA) and the Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), invite applications for the position of:

Associate Professor in ocular genetics research

at the Jules Gonin Eye Hospital (JGEH)

Starting date: January 2026 or to be agreed                                                                                                       

Place: Lausanne, Switzerland

The Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital (JGEH) is part of the Fondation Asile des Aveugles, a private institution which provides diagnosis, treatment and care for eye diseases. The JGEH includes specialized medico-social units for visually impaired adults and children while also engaging in academic research and training activities. As part of its mission, the hospital – including inpatient wards and outpatient clinics – is affiliated with the Lausanne University Hospital and the Faculty of Biology and Medicine of the University of Lausanne.

Fundamental and clinical research is assigned to the Vision Sciences Research Center led by the Director of research. Fundamental research focuses on one side on the development of stem cell and genetic therapies for retinal and corneal diseases, on the pathophysiology of age-related degeneration and diabetic retinopathy and on the other side on the neurophysiological mechanisms of perception and visual rehabilitation. Clinical and applied research is supported by the biobank and the clinical investigation center and its activities focus on the areas of adult and pediatric ocular oncology, medical retina and uveitis, and the development of novel surgical instruments as well as innovative surgical techniques in cornea, glaucoma and retina. The ocular genetics unit brings together clinical and basic research under the Vision Sciences Research Center.

Main missions:

• Conduct high-impact research on genetic causes of syndromic and non-syndromic pathologies causing visual impairment with a particular focus on the identification of genes associated with recessive ophthalmic disorders, leveraging the study on consanguineous multiplex families.
• Develop translational research with an emphasis on drug discovery and preclinical assessments in disease models at the Jules Gonin Eye Hospital.

UNIL, CHUV and FAA are committed to promoting gender equality and diversity and strongly encourage applications from female candidates www.uni.ch/egalite.

Desired profile:

• PhD in molecular biology, genetics, or a related field with postdoctoral experience and a demonstrated ability to lead a successful research group.
• Expertise in ophthalmic genetics, in particular recessive disorders, ambition and vision to advance genetic research in syndromic and non-syndromic retinal dystrophies.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and validate novel genes associated with retinal dystrophies.
• Experience in translational research, including preclinical assessments, drug screening, and therapeutic strategy development Strong background in ophthalmology and eye surgery.
• Track record of collaborating with the pharmaceutical industry and international research collaborations
• Strong interest in drug development strategies for rare syndromic and non-syndromic ocular disorders
• Track record of grant writing and project leadership skills to secure competitive funding.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain multidisciplinary international collaborations and networks.
• Good knowledge of French (native level or at least B2, ideally C1) or the ability to acquire it quickly – and of English. Proficiency in German and/or Italian is an asset. 

Further information may be obtained from Prof. Thomas J. Wolfensberger (thomas.wolfensberger@fa2.ch), Medical Director of the JGEH and Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne.

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 September 7^th, 2025 (23:59 GMT+1) to wwwfbm.unil.ch/releve/application/ as a single PDF file using the Apply button.

The job description is available down below.

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.