A PhD student position is available in Tadeusz Kawecki's lab at the Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. The lab focuses on understanding short-term evolutionary adaptation to suboptimal nutrition, with Drosophila as the study system. 

We are looking for a candidate for a project on direct and evolutionary consequences of consuming heat-treated lipids for cognitive performance of Drosophila flies. The project is part of a new international research program "Heat-treated dietary lipids: chemistry, physiology, evolution". This program is motivated by the fact that humans are unique in obtaining most of their dietary lipids from food that has been cooked, roasted or fried. This induces extensive modification of lipids, but their consequences for physiology and evolution are unknown. In this framework the candidate will study the consequences of feeding on heat-treated lipids for the performance of fruit flies in complex behavioral/cognitive tasks relying on learning and memory. This includes aversive olfactory learning, identifying a receptive mate or choosing oviposition sites. The project will also use experimental evolution to study the consequences of genetically-based adaptation to heat-treated dietary lipids for cognitive performance and study the associated changes in brain metabolome. 

The student will join a doctoral program, which offers graduate courses and workshops, and will be embedded in the overall heat-treated lipids research program and thus expected to participate in the meetings with other researchers involved in it. She or he will also act as a teaching assistant for courses corresponding to your expertise and interest. However, at least 80% of the working time will be devoted to research towards the PhD degree.

The candidates should have (or soon expect) a Masters degree in biology, a strong motivation for experimental research in insect behavior, solid understanding of statistics and experimental design, and aptitude for laboratory research. Some experience with experimental work with Drosophila or other insects or experience / aptitude to work with machine learning tools would be a plus. No-preexisting knowledge of French is required (research-related discussions, seminars etc. and a part of teaching are in English) but learning basic French would make living in Lausanne more enjoyable.  

The PhD student will join a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment, with opportunities for professional training and personal development. The Department of Ecology and Evolution in Lausanne University hosts 16 research groups working on a broad range of topics, producing a rich intellectual and social life. A medium-sized city located on lake Geneva, Lausanne offers a wide cultural offer, while the proximity of the lake and the Alps offer diverse outdoor activities.

Annual gross salary: CHF 61,000, initial contract for 1 year, renewable for maximum total 4 years.

Expected starting date: ideally February or March 2027

For legal reasons, applications must be submitted via an online recruitment system  (https://tinyurl.com/5yh7eped ). You will have to first create an account. You can switch the language of the interface to English using a button in the upper right corner.

Applications should include:

• A letter containing a description of your research interests, as well as your motivation and fit for this position
• Your CV
• A summary (ca. 1-2 pages) of your master thesis and other research experience
• A copy your of master certificate/diploma (or the expected date of obtaining it)
• Names and contact details (email) of 2-3 referees

Deadline: 18 October 2026

For inquiries, contact tadeusz.kawecki@unil.ch

UNIL is committed to equal opportunities and diversity (www.unil.ch/egalite)
UNIL supports early career researchers (www.unil.ch/graduatecampus)