Posdoctoral researcher in toxin susceptibility and evolution of resistance in insects

Introduction

The University of Lausanne (UNIL) is a higher teaching and research institution composed of seven faculties where around 15,000 students and 5,000 researchers, collaborators, and professors work and study. Situated along the shores of Lake Léman, near Lausanne’s city centre, its campuses bring together over 120 nationalities.

Prof. Richard Benton () at the Center for Integrative Genomics at UNIL is seeking a post-doctoral researcher with a strong background and / or interest in molecular biology and bioinformatics, eco-toxicology and evolutionary biology.

Expected start date in position: 01.03.2026 / to be agreed

Contract length: 1 year, renewable

Activity rate: 100%

Workplace:
University of Lausanne, Dorigny Campus

The Benton Lab has launched a new research project to investigate the genetic basis of toxin susceptibility and evolution of resistance in insects, using Drosophila – from cell lines to animals – as a model system. We are seeking a post-doctoral fellow to establish CRISPR-based screening methods in insect cell lines to identify novel genes required for the susceptibility or resistance to toxic chemicals.

Hits from these screens will be further characterised through genetic approaches in vivo.

Relevant references

• Marconcini et al. bioRxiv (2025) doi : 10.1101 / .666417
• Viswanatha et al. Nature Communications (2025) doi : 10.1038 / s-3

Although most of your time will be dedicated to your research project, you will also be involved in undergraduate teaching (e.g., practical class preparation, literature reading classes)

In order to complete our team, we are looking for someone with the following skills :

• A PhD degree in biology
• Experience with cell culture and high-throughput sequence data analysis
• Interests / skills in genetics, ecotoxicology and evolutionary biology
• Excellent scientific writing, communication and interpersonal skills, self-motivation and independence

You will be supervised by Prof. Richard Benton, in a diverse, dynamic and international research laboratory. The working language is English.

The Center for Integrative Genomics encompasses 12 research labs investigating diverse fields related to functional genomics and offers state-of-the-art experimental facilities. Beyond the training in the host laboratory, numerous possibilities exist at UNIL for further professional education (e.g., in bioinformatics, imaging, soft-skills, career development).

Informal requests for information can be made by email to :

To apply you must upload as a single pdf document :

• a CV, including the name and contact details of 2-3 referees
• a motivation letter in English describing (i) your past research experience and accomplishments, and (ii) your scientific interests, and how they are a good match for the host laboratory and project

30.11.2025

Only applications through the University of Lausanne job portal will be taken into account (this website).

• equality, diversity and inclusion within its community;
• ensuring an open and respectful environment that is conducive to personal development;
• offering working conditions that facilitate work-life balance;
• supporting early career researchers.