Open Positions

Visit regularly this page to check out our open positions.
If there is no open position available in the group you would like to work in, do not hesitate to send unsolicited application directly to the group leader. 

Research groups

Labs

  • Postdoctoral researcher position: Knowledge Management in the Digital Botanical Gardens Initiative

    A postdoctoral researcher position is available at the COMMONS Lab in the Department of Biology at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. The candidate will develop and implement computational solutions to establish and manage a Knowledge Graph documenting the chemodiversity of living systems using both untargeted metabolomics data and semantic web technologies.

    Project Background

    In the Digital Botanical Gardens Initiative (DBGI), we leverage the outstanding living plant collections of Swiss botanical gardens as artificial yet accessible biodiversity hotspots. The long term objective of this Open Science initiative is to establish robust and scalable workflows designed to characterize and document the chemodiversity of the biosphere at a global scale (see Earth Metabolome Initiative). To achieve this, we exploit the unrivaled sensitivity and structural determination potential of mass spectrometry and the power of semantic web technologies to build a large-scale digital library capturing the wealth of chemo- and bio-diversity knowledge. This open resource will be designed to i) advance the field of life science, ii) benefit human society (e.g. drug discovery from Nature and sustainable agriculture solutions) and iii) support biodiversity conservation projects.

    Job Description

    The objective of the candidate will be to develop and implement computational solutions for the establishment of a domain-specific knowledge graph gathering a large amount of unstructured and semi-structured data. This knowledge graph will be designed to organize chemodiversity-related data obtained during untargeted mass-spectrometry based metabolomics experiments but also a wide range of heterogeneous information related to the profiled samples (e.g., experimental metadata, phylogeny, geolocalizations, ecological traits). Special attention will be given to efficiently map and identify objects using resources such as the Bioregistry. The resulting graph will then be interfaced with relevant data and knowledge bases (e.g. ChEMBL, Wikidata, Pubchem). The candidate will work in close collaboration with data scientists from the Swiss Bioinformatics Institute for ontology engineering and the establishment of natural language processing-based interfaces to facilitate access to the data by scientists worldwide. The candidate will craft innovative interfaces to visualize and query the established knowledge base. Finally, the interest of alternative solution to the classical publication system (e.g. Nanopublications) will be explored for the input/output of information to/from the graph and for the overall dissemination of knowledge acquired in the frame of the DBGI.

    Your Profile

    • You are highly motivated to contribute to a project focused on describing and conserving biodiversity.
    • You hold a PhD in data / computer science with a strong track record of relevant experience.
    • You have experience with data modeling, semantic technologies, and Linked (Open) Data handling.
    • You are interested in data visualization.
    • You are familiar with open software projects and Open Research Data.
    • You are enthusiastic about learning and expanding your skill set in order to contribute towards the success of the project.

    We Offer:

    • A stimulating, friendly and supportive research environment.
    • Access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.
    • Opportunities for professional development and training.

    Starting Date:

    June-July 2023 for 1.5 years. This is a 100% postdoc position, fully funded by swissuniversities.

    How to Apply?

    Please send the following information to pierre-marie.allard@unifr.ch :

    • A cover letter outlining your research experience and interests, and why you are interested in this position. (2 pages max)
    • Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications.
    • PhD diploma or equivalent.
    • Names and contact information for three references.

    Some links:

    UniFr: https://www.unifr.ch/uni/en/portrait/about-us.html

    SIB: https://www.sib.swiss/

    DBGI : https://www.dbgi.org/

    EMI : https://www.earthmetabolome.org/

     

    PDF

  • Jazwinska Lab: PhD and Postdoc positions in Regenerative Biology in Zebrafish

    The zebrafish research group of Prof. Anna Jazwinska at the Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Switzerland is looking for a motivated PhD student and a Postdoc with an interest in Regenerative Biology in Zebrafish.

    The positions are available on the projects:  “Heart and muscle regeneration in zebrafish”

    The zebrafish provides a unique vertebrate model system for regeneration studies due to its genetic amenability and simple maintenance. We do not understand why the regeneration response varies among adult vertebrates. Our goal is to uncover how the adult zebrafish and other fish species can naturally recreate a near-perfect replica of the lost complex tissue.

    Our specific aim is to identify the intrinsic genetic programs and external signals that support the regenerative plasticity of the regeneration-competent cells. This undertaking will demand the generation of transgenic fish lines, CRISPR/Cas9 system technology, pharmacological approaches, transcriptome analysis, and imaging techniques. A conceptual and molecular understanding of natural regeneration in lower vertebrates will help to build a foundation for regenerative medicine.

    We offer an exciting working environment where quality, professionalism and human contacts are paramount. The candidate will have the opportunity to be part of a dynamic team and provide a meaningful contribution to the identification of biological mechanisms underlying organ regeneration in teleost fish.

    Profile
    We are seeking highly motivated candidates, preferentially with experience with animal model organisms. Candidates must have good knowledge of the English language, and either French or German communication skills.

    Starting date by arrangement. Salary according to institutional guidelines. Please send a CV, a brief description of previous research experience and the names of three references.

    Contact
    Prof. Anna Jazwinska
    anna.jazwinska@unifr.ch
    http://www3.unifr.ch/bio/en/research/groups-in-alphabetical-order/jazwinska-group.html

    PDF                    

  • Schneiter Lab: PhD and Postdoctoral Opportunities to study the biogenesis of lipid droplets

    Postdoc and PhD positions available to study the biogenesis of lipid droplets using Baker's yeast as a genetic model organism. Techniques employed include live cell confocal microscopy, subcellular fractionation, and mass spectrometry.

    For a recent publication on the topic see:

    - https://rupress.org/jcb/article/219/7/e201910177/151718/Seipin-and-Nem1-establish-discrete-ER-subdomains
    - https://journals.biologists.com/jcs/article-abstract/135/5/jcs256206/268334/The-surface-of-lipid-droplets-constitutes-a?redirectedFrom=fulltext
    - https://journals.biologists.com/jcs/article-abstract/135/5/jcs258819/271208/Lipid-droplets-form-a-network-interconnected-by?redirectedFrom=fulltext

    We are looking for highly motivated candidates with an excellent background in cell biology. Additional experience in yeast genetics or lipid biochemistry would be an asset. The position is available immediately for the duration of at least 4-5 years.

    For further information please contact the group leader: Roger Schneiter (roger.schneiter@unifr.ch).

  • Vanni Lab: PhD and Postdoctoral Opportunities in Computational Biophysics and Biochemistry of Membranes

    Several PhD and one postdoc positions are available in our newly-established Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry.

    Your mission

    Our group develops and applies computer simulations to investigate how the molecular properties of proteins, lipids and membranes modulate cellular processes. We combine these in silico investigations with biochemical and biophysical approaches to understand key biological mechanisms with atomistic molecular resolution. Please check our group webpage for more information.

    Currently, we have openings in the following research areas:

    • Intracellular lipid and fat accumulation
    • Protein-membrane interactions
    • Force field development
    • Nanoparticles-membrane interactions

    Your profile

    We are looking for highly motivated, team-oriented independent thinkers. For the postdoc position, the applicant should have a PhD in physics, chemistry, physical chemistry, biophysics, engineering or a related subject. The applicant should have a background in molecular dynamics simulations or computational chemistry. Previous experience in combining simulations with NMR experiments OR in simulations of materials/nanoparticles are a plus. For the PhD positions, the applicant should have a Master Degree in physics, chemistry, biology, bioinformatics, computer science, engineering or a related subject. Computer literacy and previous experience with molecular simulations, as well as good communication skills and proficiency in English are a plus. In general, any previous specific knowledge is less important than strong motivation, enthusiasm for scientific research, problem-solving skills, and possibly a track-record of individual and team accomplishments.

    We offer

    The positions are funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and by the NCCR in Bio-Inspired Materials . We offer a stimulating, friendly and interdisciplinary work environment, with excellent working conditions (salary, resources, …) and frontier research projects. The Department of Biology of the University of Fribourg (Switzerland) gathers very dynamic researchers with a strong commitment toward innovation and excellence in science. It offers a stimulating and supportive environment, with an open-minded atmosphere ideal to foster synergies.

    The selected candidates will also have the opportunity to interact extensively with members of the Department of Chemistry and of the Adolphe Merkle Institute in Fribourg, with whom collaborations are ongoing. In addition, they will also benefit from strong international collaborations with outstanding experimental labs in the fields of membrane biology, soft matter and nanomaterials. The successful PhD candidates will enrol in the Fribourg Graduate School of Life Sciences (FGLS) providing high-quality education opportunities to complement the laboratory training. It will also benefit from the close proximity to the CECAM headquarters in Lausanne, where multiple workshops and schools in computational science are held every year (https://www.cecam.org ). PhD positions are fully funded for 3 years, with a possible 1-year extension. In addition, PhD students will have the possibility to apply to generous international postdoctoral fellowship from the SNF after completion of their PhD. Initial gross annual salary for PhD students will be 47,040 CHF (~ 47,000 $). The postdoc position is fully funded for 2 years, with a possible 2-years extension. In addition, the postdoc will have the possibility to apply to prestigious and generous fellowships from the SNF to start an independent career after completion of their postdoctoral fellowship. Initial gross annual salary for Postdocs will be 65,000 CHF (~ 65,000 $).

     

    Please send your application, including short cover letter (explaining background and motivation) and a complete CV via e-mail to Stefano Vanni.