The Gambetta lab is recruiting PhD students to study how genome architecture impacts gene regulation in development.

Projects

1. How is regulatory cross talk prevented? Insulators block communication between an enhancer and a gene when placed in between. We study the biological relevance and molecular mechanisms of insulators.

2. How do genes find their appropriate regulatory elements over millions of base pairs and skip over non-target genes? We address the biological relevance of these interactions by disrupting them, and we study how they form.

We use genetics (genome-engineering, genetic screens, comparative evolution), genomics (transcriptomics, chromatin accessibility, chromosome conformation capture, genome-wide screens, single-cell genomics), imaging (fixed and live), and biochemistry (proteomics).

This work is expected to continue to reveal new evolutionary perspectives into the relevance of 3D genome folding for correctly wiring genes to their regulatory elements. For more information check lab website: http://www.gambettalab.org

Job information

Expected start date in position : as soon as possible or to be agreed

Contract length : 1 year, renewable 2 x 2 years, maximum 5 years

Your responsibilities

You will work independently on one of two projects proposed. You will use multidisciplinary approches such as genomics, genetics, imaging, and/or biochemistry in the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster. You will present your results during seminars with gene regulation research labs in Lausanne. You will get some exposure to teaching. Full funding for the position is available, but application to fellowships is also expected.

Your qualifications

You are a dynamic and rigorous scientist. You have experience in molecular biology, genetics, genomics, biochemistry or imaging. You are a critical thinker, a team player eager to participate in scientific discussions but able to work independently. You have a strong interest in developing your skills in multidisciplinary experimental strategies to understand basic mechanisms in gene regulation.

Your benefits

The Gambetta lab is hosted at the Center for Integrative Genomics (CIG) at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), a vibrant, well-funded institute with a focus on functional genomics and equipped with modern core facilities (see www.unil.ch/cig).

It is embedded in the broader Lausanne research environment that includes two universities (UNIL, EPFL), the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Ludwig Center for Cancer Research, university hospital, and a cluster of biotech companies flourishing in the larger lake Geneva area.

The Gambetta lab tightly networks with other gene regulation research laboratories at UNIL and EPFL, and collaborates with the on-site Bioinformatics Competence Center. There are regular possibilities to present and participate in local or international conferences and workshops. Hard and soft skill, and career development courses are offered on campus.

We offer a nice working place in a multicultural, diversified and dynamic academic environment.

Your application

Please email lab head Prof. Maria Cristina Gambetta (mariacristina.gambetta@unil.ch), providing your CV, a brief description of your research experience, and why you think your research interests complement ours.

Seeking to promote an equitable representation of men and women among its staff, the University encourages applications from women. UNIL is committed to equal opportunities and diversity (www.unil.ch/egalite) and supports early career researchers (www.unil.ch/graduatecampus).