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

  • Food Research and Innovation Center (FRIC): PhD position

    We are seeking to hire a PhD candidate with an interest in plant pathology, plant-microbe interactions and sustainable crop protection to join our research group jointly affiliated with the Food Research and Innovation Center (FRIC) and the Department of Biology of the University of Fribourg, Switzerland.

    Our research focuses on the development of sustainable strategies for crop protection, with a particular interest in the use of beneficial microorganisms to control plant diseases. We investigate how plant-associated bacteria can protect crops against pathogens and aim to better understand the biological mechanisms underlying their protective effects.

    The PhD project will focus on the biocontrol of grapevine diseases using beneficial phyllosphere bacteria. The candidate will investigate their protective effects and underlying mechanisms, including direct antagonism against pathogens and stimulation or priming of grapevine defenses. The work will be carried out at the Department of Biology, which offers state-of-the-art infrastructure and analytical platforms, and provides an excellent scientific environment with extensive expertise in plant-microbe interactions and beyond. Enrollment of the PhD student in two complementary graduate programs offered by the FGLM and the FRIC is foreseen.

    Applicants must hold a Master's degree in plant biology, plant pathology, microbiology, molecular biology, agronomy or a related scientific field. Previous experience with plant pathogens, beneficial microorganisms, gene expression analysis or grapevine would be an advantage but is not required.

    We are looking for a candidate who is curious, motivated to conduct experimental research and interested in both fundamental aspects of plant-microbe interactions and their application to sustainable crop protection. Good communication skills in English and the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative research environment are expected. Willingness to actively participate in the interdisciplinary scientific and outreach initiatives of the FRIC is expected.

    The position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been found. The position is fully funded through the Food Research and Innovation Center in accordance with the employment conditions of the University of Fribourg. It will be locally hosted at the Department of Biology, and the PhD will be co-supervised by Prof. Laure Weisskopf.

    Please send your complete application, including a CV, a cover letter and contact details of two referees, via email to Dr. Sébastien Bruisson (sebastien.bruisson@unifr.ch).

  • 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.