Introduction
UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.
Presentation
The Department of Fundamental Neurosciences of the University of Lausanne invites applications for a PhD student position in the research group of Julien Puyal. The Puyal lab investigates the mechanisms of cell death in perinatal brain injuries with a focus on the role of autophagy machinery in neuronal death. For more details, please consult the current website of the group: https://dnf-unil.ch/group/neuroprotection-for-neonatal-stroke-and-asphyxia
Job information
Expected start date: 01.01.2026 (to be discussed)
Contract length: 1 year, renewable, maximum 4 years.
Activity rate: 100%
Workplace: University of Lausanne, Department of Fundamental Neurosciences (DNF). https://www.unil.ch/dnf/en/home/menuinst/a-propos-du-dnf.html
Your responsibilities
The successful candidate will conduct an in-depth investigation into the intricate molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in converting autophagy—a critical physiological cellular degradation process—into a distinct mode of neuronal cell death that occurs under hypoxic-ischemic conditions, referred to as autophagic or autophagy-dependent cell death. This research project will incorporate a range of multidisciplinary approaches, drawing from fields such as biochemistry, as well as cell and molecular biology. The candidate will also employ various experimental models, including preclinical in vitro and in vivo models of perinatal brain injuries, alongside the analysis of human autoptic brain samples. This multifaceted approach aims to unravel the complex biological underpinnings of neuronal injury and identify new potential therapeutic targets in the context of perinatal brain injuries.
Your qualifications
We invite applications for a PhD student who is highly motivated and dynamic, with a strong curiosity and a commitment to understanding the complexity of cell death mechanisms in hypoxic-ischemic brain injuries. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following qualities:
* A strong interest in neuroprotection, complemented by a background in neuroscience.
* Experience in cell culture alongside a basic knowledge of sterility guidelines.
* A background or enthusiasm for statistics and computational analysis.
* A collaborative spirit with enthusiasm for contributing to a highly interactive research environment.
* A curious and proactive mindset, eager to take initiative and propose innovative experiments.
* Strong written and spoken English communication skills.
* Excellent organizational abilities, along with an active contribution to the daily life of the laboratory.
We look forward to collaborating with someone who shares our passion for research and is dedicated to making meaningful contributions.
What the position offers you
We offer a nice working place in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment. Opportunities for professional training, a lot of activities and other benefits to discover.
Our lab is a translational research team that integrates the expertise of basic neuroscience researchers and clinical neonatologists. This position presents an exciting opportunity to investigate a key biological question while contributing to translational research aimed at developing neuroprotective strategies for neonatal brain injuries.
Contact for further information
Julien Puyal, PhD
E-Mail schreiben
Your application
Deadline: 25.11.2025
The complete application should contain:
* Motivation letter describing previous experience and future goals
* Curriculum vitae.
Contact information for 3 references. Please send your full application in PDF. Only applications through this website will be taken into account. We thank you for your understanding.
Additional information
UNIL is committed to: • equality, diversity and inclusion within its community; • ensuring an open and respectful environment that is conducive to personal development; • offering working conditions that facilitate work-life balance; • supporting early career researchers.
unil.ch/equality unil.ch/families unil.ch/graduatecampus
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