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

• Schneiter Lab: Postdoctoral Position in Biochemistry and Plant Biology

  Postdoctoral Position in Biochemistry and Plant Biology available to study the function and interaction of Pathogenesis-Related proteins from plants and pathogens. The position is founded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and is available immediately. For literature on the topic please see: https://doi.org/10.1111/mpp.13320 and https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2024.1368467

  For further information and submission of applications please contact the group leader at 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. 

   

• Sprecher Lab: PhD positions in Neuroscience of Cephalopods

  We are looking for highly motivated PhD candidates with interest in neuroscience joining our research group at the Department of Biology at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland.

  Our laboratory studies the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms of cognitive processes in health and disease. We study circuits, their neural and cellular properties as well as the molecular and genetic pathways that achieve these distinct cognitive functions in the brain across the animal kingdom.

  Cephalopod specifically are of wide interest since they have independently developed advanced brains and achieved complex cognitive functions comparable to those in mammals. The cellular organization of their brains, underlying neural circuits and developmental pathways however remain unknown.

  The project will make use of Cephalopod model species, single-cell transcriptomics, functional imaging of neurons and machine-learning based genetics.

  Applicants must hold a Masters degree in neurobiology, molecular biology, genetics or related scientific fields. Previous experience in molecular biology, neurobiology, genetics and programming is required.

  The position will be filled as soon as possible and is fully funded at an international highly competitive level.

  Please send your complete application (CV, letter of motivation; please have 3 reference letters sent by referees directly) via email to: simon.sprecher@unifr.ch

   

• Sprecher Lab: PhD position in Neuroscience

  We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate with interest in applied functional imaging, behavioral neurogenetics and single cell biology to join our Drosophila research group at the Department of Biology at the University of Fribourg,  Switzerland.

  Our laboratory studies the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms of cognitive processes in health and disease. We study circuits, their neural and cellular properties as well as the molecular and genetic pathways that achieve these distinct cognitive functions in the brain across the animal kingdom.

  We are interested in the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the gut-brain axis, the processes that link the brain, the taste systems with the gut and internal metabolites. We aim to identify the mechanism that function to translate complex  chemical information into the proper neuronal signals, the identification of neuronal circuits and networks and how these components cooperatively allow the animal to process and transform neuronal information into meaningful behaviors.

  The project will make use of state of the art molecular and genetic techniques, Drosophila genetic methods, in particularly functional imaging of neurons, CRISPR/Cas9 based genome editing and single-cell transcriptomics.

  Applicants must hold a masters degree in neurobiology, molecular biology, genetics or related scientific fields. Previous experience in molecular biology, behavioral biology, microscopy, neurobiology or genetics is highly desirable. Some previous  exposure to programming, image analysis, optics and microscopy etc. is appreciated.

  The position will be filled as soon as possible and is fully funded at an international highly competitive level.

  Please send your complete application (CV, letter of motivation; please have 3 reference letters sent by referees) via email to: simon.sprecher@unifr.ch

   

• Sprecher Lab: PhD positions in Cnidarian functional neurobiology

  We are looking for highly motivated PhD candidates with interest in neuroscience joining our research group at the Department of Biology at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland.

  Our laboratory studies the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms of cognitive processes in health and disease. We study circuits, their neural and cellular properties as well as the molecular and genetic pathways that achieve these distinct  cognitive functions in the brain across the animal kingdom.

  As sister clade to bilaterians Cnidarians have a decentralized net-like nervous system, which appears superficially simple. However, their cognitive abilities are more complex than anticipated including the capacity to learn and form memories;  with many more cell types than we assumed previously.

  The project investigate the molecular and cellular mechansism of learning in the starlet anemone Nematostella vectensis as model, using single-cell transcriptomics, functional imaging of neurons and machine-learning based behavioral analysis.

  Applicants must hold a Masters degree in neurobiology, molecular biology, genetics or related scientific fields. Previous experience in molecular biology, neurobiology, genetics and programming is required.

  The position will be filled as soon as possible and is fully funded at an international highly competitive level.

  Please send your complete application (CV, letter of motivation; please have 3 reference letters sent by referees directly) via email to: simon.sprecher@unifr.ch

   

• Group leader (MER) in Sustainable Crop Protection 80-100%

  Start date: 1 January 2026 or to be agreed

  Type of contract: CDD

  We offer a challenging position in an exciting and dynamic work environment. You will have access to excellent infrastructure in an interdisciplinary surrounding. The position offers the possibility to do a habilitation as part of this role. It is limited to 2 years initially, with a performance-based extension of up to 5 years. The salary for this position will be determined based on your qualifications and experience.

  This position is available until a suitable candidate is found. Your application portfolio should include a cover letter outlining your motivation for this role and relevant experience, a CV with a publication list, and information on 3 reference contacts.

  Your mission

  • Develop a competitive research program in microbe-mediated crop protection with the aim to improve the sustainability of food production
  • Contribute to the Food Research and Innovation Center’s teaching activities at master and PhD level in the domain of sustainable food production and environmental health
  • Actively collaborate with other research groups within the FRIC and with other research institutions and industry partners
  • Attract external and competitive research funding and support the mission of the FRIC, including trans-disciplinary research and outreach activities
  • Manage research projects and supervise master and PhD students
  • Communicate results at conferences and in peer-reviewed publications

  Your profile

  • PhD in biology or agronomy and at least one year of post-doctoral experience
  • Track record of scientific publishing, funding acquisition and project management
  • Strong interest in cross-disciplinary research in the broad field of food science, sustainable food production or sustainable crop protection
  • Willingness to contribute to the development of the FRIC activities, including networking and stakeholder involvement
  • Experience in teaching and student supervision is a plus

  Contact details

  Sebastien Luo, Food Research & Innovation Center FRIC, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 8, CH-1700 Fribourg, Tel. +41 (0) 26 300 81 35, sebastien.luo@unifr.ch