Postdoctoral position in organelle contacts, University of Lausanne Switzerland

The Aging and Muscle Metabolism lab is seeking to recruit one Postdoc to investigate organelle contact sites and pathways implicated in organelle quality control, particularly mitochondria and lipid droplets, using zebrafish and cultured cells as our experimental models.

The proposed projects will build on findings that we made in our work on mitochondrial quality control and organelle contact sites. They will entail a multidisciplinary mix of molecular biology, cellular and zebrafish genetics, in combination with state of the art computational biology techniques. The project aims to unravel molecular mechanisms and physiological functions of proteins isoforms and their role in inter-organelle communication.  

Job information Expected start date in position: as soon as possible 
Contract length: 1 year, renewable based on funding availability.
Activity rate: Full time position 

Your responsibilities

The main responsibility consists in conducting scientific research in the framework of the lab, which is to investigate novel proteins and pathways that play a role in muscle metabolic dysfunctions that come with aging, with neuromuscular diseases or with muscle wasting (myopathies). We are particularly interested in the role of organelle contacts, such as mitochondria-lipid droplet, mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum, etc.

Mitochondria are key players in muscle metabolism and associated dysfunctions. Finely tuned dynamic modulations adapt the number of these organelles, as well as their function, location and architecture in response to external stimuli. An efficient mitochondrial turnover and interaction with other organelles are crucial to face muscle stimulation, stress, and aging processes.

The proposed project will build on findings that we have made on specific proteins and pathways that could play a role not only in aging, but also in muscular diseases such as myopathies and muscular dystrophies. The project will start on one targeted protein identified as a potentially novel organelle tether. It will entail state of the art methodology based on multidisciplinary approaches, including clinical research, molecular biology, cellular biology and_
_in vivo models. This project will be part of the larger mission to identify new molecular actors and pathways involved in mitochondria structuration, mitophagy and specific organelle contact sites. Developing zebrafish model and human primary muscle cells, we combine innovative tools to explore the functions of our hit candidates.

Of note, we are also open to new research ideas that collaborators wish to bring into the lab.

Funding for the position is available, although application to personal, international fellowship programs will be encouraged.

Your qualifications

The ideal candidate should be a highly motivated scientist and critical thinker with a PhD degree in biology or related discipline. Good team player with a solid theoretical and practical knowledge of molecular biology, cell biology and physiology. A strong knowledge of genetic model, particularly zebrafish, will be an advantage as well as past experience in organelle contact sites. Excellent spoken and written English is an indispensable requirement. Willingness and interest in developing multiple projects in the broader fields of translational research/molecular biology is a necessity.

Your benefits

The Aging and Muscle Metabolism lab is hosted at the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Lausanne, a well-equipped and well-funded institute (https://www.unil.ch/dsb/home.html). Our group benefits from a dynamic environment and strong collaborations embedded in the broader Lausanne research environment that includes two universities (UNIL, EPFL), high end institutional facilities (cellular imaging, proteomics, electron microscopy, etc) and multiple biotech companies. We offer a nice working place in a multicultural, diversified and dynamic academic environment.

For further information, please contact

Prof. Francesca Amati, francesca.amati@unil.ch

Your application

To apply, please send a single PDF file including a motivation letter describing why you are interested in joining our group, a CV including scientific publications, your Bachelors/Masters/PhD grades, and contact details for 2 or more referees tofrancesca.amati@unil.ch. Please also state clearly where you have seen this call.

Deadline for application: Ongoing, interviews will start right away and continue until the position is filled.