PhD Position - Human Genetics & Stem Cell Modeling

PhD Position – Human Genetics & Stem Cell Modeling

Apply for the PhD Position – Human Genetics & Stem Cell Modeling role at CHUV | Lausanne University Hospital.

We are seeking a highly motivated doctoral candidate (PhD student, 100%) in the field of Human Genetics and Stem Cell Modeling to join the laboratory of Prof. Nelly Pitteloud at the University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV).

The position is fully funded by a Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) grant and is available for a maximum duration of four years.

The Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) is one of the five Swiss university hospitals and a leading centre for clinical care, biomedical research, and academic training. Through its close collaboration with the University of Lausanne (Faculty of Biology and Medicine) and the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), the CHUV offers a highly dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment at the interface of medicine, genetics, and systems biology.

The PhD student will contribute to research projects aimed at elucidating the neuroendocrine basis of human reproduction, integrating:

• Clinical phenotyping
• Bioinformatics
• Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based disease modelling

The primary focus of the PhD project will be the identification and functional characterization of novel genes involved in congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH).

• Lead a genetics-driven discovery project in CHH patients
• Develop and use iPSC-derived in vitro models, with a particular emphasis on GnRH neuron differentiation, to recapitulate disease mechanisms in patient‑derived and control cells
• Integrate genetic findings with cellular and molecular phenotypes to understand CHH pathophysiology
• Contribute to the identification of novel genes and molecular pathways involved in the pathogenesis of congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) and pubertal disorders
• Further develop in vitro models of GnRH neuron development based on patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to investigate disease mechanisms

• A Master’s degree in genetics, molecular biology, or cellular biology
• Prior experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Human genetics and/or rare disease genomics
  • Stem cell biology, including iPSC derivation and differentiation
  • Strong organisational skills, scientific rigour, and the ability to work independently as well as within a collaborative, international research team
  • Fluency in English; knowledge of French is an asset (or fluency in both English and French, depending on your preference)

Not Applicable

Contract

Research, Science, and Engineering

Hospitals and Health Care and Public Health

• First‑rate social benefits such as a paternity leave of 20 days and maternity leave of 4 months (with a complementary breastfeeding leave of 1 month available)
• Regular salary progression adapted to responsibilities
• 25 days of vacation per year
• Right to at least three days of training per year, accessed through a wide range of courses offered by the CHUV Training Center and external providers
• Possibility to access 500 furnished apartments offered in the surrounding neighbourhoods for relocation within Switzerland
• Discounts on social and cultural events, goodies and other services through the “H‑Oxygène” association
• Mobility plan providing discounts on public transport, fleet promotion, and electric‑bike discounts
• Access to high‑quality corporate restaurants in every hospital building, with employee discount

Professor Nelly PITTLELOUD – Head of the Endocrinology department
e‑mail: nelly.pitteloud
(applications sent by e‑mail will not be accepted)