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

  • 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. 

     

  • Kozlowski Lab: Collaborateur-trice scientifique à 40% (Département de Biologie et Jardin Botanique de l’Université de Fribourg)

    Contexte et mission

    Cette offre s’inscrit au sein du projet SUNLOOP (Spontaneous Urban Nature and LOcal nO net land take Policies). Il a été sélectionné dans le cadre de l’appel européen Biodiversa+ et est financé par le Fonds National Suisse (FNS). Ce projet s’appuie sur un large consortium de partenaires en Suisse, Belgique et France, dans différents contextes locaux (Fribourg, Charleroi et Ris-Orangis).

    Le projet SUNLOOP aborde les défis posés par la perte de biodiversité et le changement climatique dans les environnements urbains, en se concentrant sur les espaces de nature spontanée en milieu urbain, en tant qu’espaces fournissant de multiples services écosystémiques dans le contexte des politiques de Zéro Artificialisation Nette. Ces politiques visent à limiter l’artificialisation des sols, rendant les friches, les espaces abandonnés et tout espace végétalisé non planifié précieux pour le développement urbain. Malgré leurs potentiels bénéfices sociaux et écologiques, ces espaces sont souvent peu pris en compte dans cette perspective. Le projet vise à améliorer la compréhension et la sensibilisation concernant les espaces de nature spontanée en milieu urbain.

    Ce poste est plus spécifiquement lié à l'un des volets du projet : Qualifier et comprendre les espaces de nature spontanée en milieu urbain, coordonné par des scientifiques de différentes disciplines (pédologie, entomologie, botanique). La personne embauchée développera et coordonnera différents aspects liés à la botanique.

    Il s’agira notamment d’approfondir, de synthétiser et de vulgariser des connaissances sur les friches urbaines, de développer des outils à l’intention de non-scientifiques (urbanistes, architectes, etc.), pour évaluer la qualité écologique, identifier d’éventuels besoins de gestion, et enfin montrer l’importance des espaces végétalisés non planifiés.

      

    Début, durée et lieu de travail

    Date de début : avril-mai 2025

    Date de fin : décembre 2025 (avec une prolongation possible jusqu'à fin 2027)

    Taux d’occupation : 40%

    Localisation : Département de Biologie et Jardin Botanique de l’Université de Fribourg (Suisse)

     

    Votre profil

    Profil : biologiste/spécialiste dans l’environnement/géographe ou formation équivalente (Bachelor/Master)

    Intérêt marqué pour la botanique et l’écologie urbaine (éventuellement des notions en entomologie et/ou en pédologie)

    Intérêt et envie de s’engager pour la conservation de la biodiversité en milieu urbain

    Personne autonome, capable de prendre en main un projet

    A l’aise avec les recherches dans la littérature scientifique

    Capacité de s’intégrer dans un projet avec de nombreux acteurs, avec une bonne aisance en communication

    Bonnes compétences de synthèse et de vulgarisation (développement d’un outil pour des non-biologistes)

    Francophone ou très à l’aise en français (langue principale, autres partenaires francophones), à l’aise en anglais (littérature scientifique, rédactions d’articles)

    A l’aise avec les outils informatique usuels, éventuellement aussi en SIG, et logiciels de design/mise en page

     

    Intéressé-e ?

    Les candidatures doivent contenir un curriculum vitae et une lettre de motivation. Le dossier de candidature doit être envoyé à gregor.kozlowski@unifr.ch jusqu'à fin février 2025.

     

    Adresse de contact :

    Prof. Gregor Kozlowski, Jardin Botanique de l’Université de Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 10, 1700 Fribourg, tél. 026 300 88 42, 079 305 44 53.

  • Dengjel & De Virgilio Labs: PhD Student Positions - multidisciplinary studies on mTOR signaling

    The MENTOR Doctoral program is an EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA DN) to foster and train Doctoral Candidates (DC) on the metabolic control of cell growth by mTOR in pathophysiology (https://mentor-program.eu). Highly motivated and exceptional candidates will join a distinguished team of researchers engaged in cutting-edge projects across various disciplines from metabolism, cell growth, pathophysiology, drug design, biological chemistry, preclinical models, and personalized medicine. The selected candidates will have the opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary environment, receive comprehensive training, and benefit from mentorship provided by leading experts in their respective fields.

    The program offers the unique opportunity to develop both specialized and transferable skills, preparing researchers for diverse career paths within and beyond academia. The PhD salaries are at the highest international range and an additional budget is provided for travel to participate in international Schools and collaborations. 

    The MSCA MENTOR Doctoral Network will train 18 PhD researchers across a consortium of prestigious institutions. The Doctoral Candidates should have the equivalent of a Master's diploma in biology, pharmacy, chemistry, or medicine, as indicated by each hosting laboratory. The positions will be hosted at the following Institutions :

    Université Paris Cité (France), Fondazione Telethon (Italy), University of Fribourg (Switzerland), University of Essen (Germany), FORTH (Greece), Brain Institute (France), CNIO (Spain), IMOL PAS (Poland), Mimetas (the Netherlands), University of Tübingen (Germany), University of Basel (Switzerland), PD-value (the Netherlands), University Medical Center Utrecht (the Netherlands), KU Leuven (Belgium)

     

    DC2 project
    Title: Non-canonical Rag GTPase-TORC1 signalling in yeast
    Host Institution : University of Fribourg (Switzerland)
    Main Supervisors: Claudio de Virigilio (claudio.devirgilio@unifr.ch)
    Secondments: Fondazione Telethon (Italy); BioSolveIT (Germany)

    DC4 project
    Title: New approaches to screen for novel direct mTORC1 targets
    Host Institution: University of Fribourg (Switzerland)
    Main Supervisors: Jörn Dengjel (joern.dengjel@unifr.ch)
    Secondments: University Clinic of Essen (Germany), Topadur (Switzerland)

     

    Candidates can apply until March 28, 2025

    https://mentor-program.eu/

    https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/312279

  • Open lecturer position at 40 % as study advisor in the Department of Biology of the University of Fribourg / Poste de lecteur-trice à 40 % en tant que conseiller-ère aux études au sein du Département de biologie de l'Université de Fribourg

    The Department of Biology is seeking to recruit a lecturer (40%) to work as study advisor. The job requires a PhD in life sciences, a high degree of rigour, excellent listening, as well as organisational and summarising skills. A very good command of French and English is required, as well as a good level in German. In addition, a thorough knowledge of the field of biology and good understanding of the university education system are required.


    In our department, the study advisor is the contact person for Bachelor's and Master's students, helping them in organizing their studies, discussing study-related issues, and providing information about mobility programmes. This person is also responsible for updating study plans, assessing applications from foreign students and requests submitted to the Commission for student’s requests. He/she also presents the curricula and promotes the Department to prospective students. Participation in the teaching at Bachelor's or Master’s level is also expected.


    The position is available from 1 September 2025. The appointment is for an initial period of 12 months with the possibility of a permanent contract.


    Information : dominique.glauser@unifr.ch
    Applications : link
    Application deadline: 21 March 2025

    ************************************************************************************************************************************

    Le Département de biologie cherche à recruter un-une lecteur-trice (40%) pour travailler en tant que conseiller-ère aux études. Le poste requiert un doctorat en sciences de la vie, une grande rigueur, une excellente écoute, ainsi que des capacités d'organisation et de synthèse. Une très bonne maîtrise du français et de l'anglais est demandée, ainsi qu'un bon niveau en allemand. En outre, une connaissance approfondie du domaine de la biologie est nécessaire, ainsi qu’une bonne compréhension du système d'enseignement universitaire.


    Dans notre département, le conseiller ou la conseillère aux études est la personne de contact pour les étudiant-e-s en bachelor et en master, les aidant dans l’organisation de leurs études, en discutant le choix des branches et en renseignant sur les programmes de mobilité. Cette personne est aussi responsable de la mise à jour des plans d’études ainsi que de l’évaluation des dossiers soumis à la Commission des requêtes. Il/elle va, entre autres, faire la promotion du département auprès des potentiels étudiants et leur présentera les programmes d’études. Une participation à l’enseignement au niveau bachelor et/ou master est également attendue.

    Le poste est disponible à partir du 1er septembre 2025. L'engagement est initialement prévu pour une période de 12 mois, avec possibilité d’un contrat à durée indéterminée par la suite.


    Renseignements : dominique.glauser@unifr.ch
    Candidatures : lien
    Délai pour les candidatures : 21 mars 2025

  • 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

     

  • Geisler Lab: 2 talented PhD students

    The geislerLab at University of Fribourg (Switzerland) seeks for 2 talented PhD students to pursue two SNF-funded projects in the field of ABCB-mediated auxin and brassinosteroid transport. Project 1 deals with the  dentification of factors determining ABCB substrate specificity, while project 2 centers around the establishment of ABCBtype auxin/brassinosteroid activity sensors. Both projects wil be perfomred in tight collaboration with the groups of R. Roelfsema (University of Würzburg), G. Grossmann (HHU Düsseldorf) and Matyas Fendrych (Charles University Prague).


    We expect:
    - a Master´s degree in Biology or Biochemistry or a related subject
    - good knowledge in molecular biology and/or biochemistry (imaging experience is a plus)
    - highest motivation and an open-minded, honest character

    We offer:
    - a competitive but pleasent work ambience
    - a functional group with established core techniques
    - direct supervision
    - a very competitive Swiss salary
    - best lab music in the world

    Please send your application containing:
    - a letter of motivation
    - a preference statement for one of the 2 projects
    - a CV (inlcuding picture)
    - names and e-mail of 2 references

    to me (markus.geisler@unifr.ch) by 31st May 2025 (start of projects: July 1, 2025)

     

    Key references:

    Xia, X., Siffert, A., O., T., Banasiak, J., Pakula, K., Ziegler, J., Rosahl, S., Ferro, N., Jasinski, M., Hegedus, T., and Geisler, M.M. (2024). A key residue of the extracellular gate provides quality control contributing to ABCG
    substrate specificity. Nature Comm (in press)


    Geisler MM and Dreyer I (2024) An auxin homeostat allows plant cells to establish and control defined transmembrane auxin gradients. New Phytologist (in press: doi: 10.1111/nph.20120)


    Geisler MM (2024) Embracing substrate multispecificity in plant ABC transporters. Molecular Plant 17, 990–992


    Aryal B, Xia J, Hu Z, Stumpe M, Tsering T, Liu J, Huynh J, Fukao Y, Glöckner N, Huang HY, Sáncho-Andrés G, Pakula K, Ziegler J, Gorzolka K, Zwiewka M, Nodzynski, T, Harter K, Sánchez-Rodríguez C, Jasiński M, Rosahl S and Geisler MM (2023) A LRR receptor kinase controls ABC transporter substrate preferences during plantgrowth-defense decisions. Curr. Biology 33(10): 2008

  • Auer Lab: Open PhD or PostDoc positions in Comparative Neuroscience

    • Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Thomas Auer
    • Funding: SNF Starting Grant
    • Expected Start Date: autumn 2025

    Research environment
    Our lab and the Department of Biology offer a friendly and stimulating work environment, with excellent conditions in terms of infrastructure, know-how, and collaboration. Fribourg is vibrant medieval university town with a large student population (https://www.unifr.ch/studies/en/choose-fribourg/life-in-fribourg.html), situated close to the capital of Bern and the beautiful Swiss pre-Alps and Alps. For more information on our research see https://www.unifr.ch/bio/en/groups/auer/.


    Training and development
    Our PhD students will be part of the Fribourg Life Science Graduate School which provides training and development opportunities, and advice on funding for research.

    Our students and PostDocs also have access to training and career advice from the University of Fribourg and can participate to online and on-site courses from the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics.

    Through the development of your project, you will be trained in state-of-the-art comparative genetic approaches, molecular biology techniques, neurophysiology, and behavioural studies. You will also be able to develop your own project ideas depending on your interests.

    Our lab strives to foster effective communication and presentation skills and you will be encouraged to develop international collaborations and networking, including attendance to national and/or international meetings.

     

    Project description
    The focus for this position will be on chemosensory system evolution and taste processing. We want to understand how circuit architecture evolves and what are the functional consequences for circuit output. To this purpose, we use three closely related Drosophila species (D. melanogaster, D. simulans, D. sechellia) with diverse feeding habits to decipher what genetic and neural circuit changes drive species differences.

    To this purpose, we compare homologous circuits across species and study their physiology, transcriptomes and role in behaviour. Due to the cross-disciplinary nature of the research, there is a range of opportunities for contributing to the project depending on particular interests and strengths (i.e. comparative transcriptomics, neurobiology, generation of transgenic tools for new species, in vivo volumetric imaging, bioinformatics). Throughout the project you will be encouraged to develop your own ideas and hypotheses.


    Funding
    The project is funded by Swiss National Science Foundation Starting Grant. Initial appointment is for 1 year with the possibility to prolongations.


    Eligibility and applying
    Applications are invited from outstanding candidates with or expecting to receive a master /PhD degree in an area relevant to the project (e.g., evolutionary biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, genetics, neurobiology, bioinformatics). The most important qualification is motivation and enthusiasm for the project.

    Informal enquiries about the project can be sent to Thomas Auer (Thomas.auer@unifr.ch).

    Formal applications must be submitted through our online form (https://forms.gle/uKuCaodx8QdyMqwp9) for consideration, including a CV, cover letter and qualifications. Evaluation will be on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.

    Our lab is committed to promoting diversity in science and we positively welcome applications from underrepresented groups.