PhD Position in Innate Immunity, Inflammation and Cell Death Signaling

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

A PhD position is available in the laboratory of Prof. Petr Broz in the Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. The Broz lab investigates the innate immune signaling pathways that allows cells to detect and respond to the infection with pathogenic microorganisms. A particular focus of the lab is the inflammasome, a multi protein signaling platform that is assembled by pattern recognition receptors upon detection of pathogen- or host-derived danger signals, and which controls the release of cytokines and the induction of pyroptosis, a lytic for of cell death.

Selected publications (*first authors, # corresponding authors):

1. Structural basis of NINJ1-mediated plasma membrane rupture in cell death. Degen M.*. Santos J.*. …Broz. P.#, Hiller S.#. Nature 2023
2. RIPK1 activates distinct gasdermins in macrophages and neutrophils upon pathogen blockade of innate immune signaling. Chen KW.*….Broz P. # PNAS 2021
3. Human GBP1 binds LPS to initiate assembly of a caspase-4 activating platform on cytosolic bacteria. Santos J.*, Boucher D.*,…Broz. P.# Nature Communications 2020

For more information of the lab, please visit: https://www.unil.ch/ib/en/home/menuinst/research/broz-petr.html

Job information

Expected start date in position : 01.09.2023 / to be agreed

Contract length : 1 year, renewable

Activity rate : 100%

Workplace : Epalinges, Department of Immunobiology

Your responsibilities

We are an seeking outstanding a PhD candidate who is interested in studying a) The mechanisms of inflammasome activation by NOD-like receptor proteins (NLRs), with focus on orphan NLR receptors, or b) the regulation and function of NINJ1-induced plasma membrane rupture during lytic cell death.  The successful applicant will be able to use state-of-the-art microbiological, biochemical, molecular biological and cell biological approaches including transgenic animal models, proteomics, siRNA- and CRISPR/Cas9-based screening technologies as well as high-resolution single cell imaging.

Your qualifications

The successful applicants should have a Master degree in biological sciences, ideally with a background in biochemistry, cell biology, immunology or microbiology. We are looking for a candidate that is highly motivated and self-driven, and be able to work well in a team as well as independently. Good communication skills in English are essential.

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.

Contact for further information

Prof. Petr Broz

University of Lausanne

Department of Immunobiology

1066 Epalinges, Switzerland

petr.broz@unil.ch

Your application

Deadline : 15.07.2023

Applications should include:

• A cover letter including a description of your research experience and motivation (1.5 pages max)
• A curriculum vitae, incl. names and contact information 2-3 academic references.

Please, send your full application in Word or PDF.
Only applications through this website will be taken into account.

We thank you for your understanding.

Additional information

UNIL is committed to equal opportunities and diversity.
www.unil.ch/egalite

UNIL supports early career researchers.
www.unil.ch/graduatecampus