PhD Position - Human Genetics & Stem Cell Modeling

Médico-technique PhD Position - Human Genetics & Stem Cell Modeling

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 center 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
• Human genetics
• Bioinformatics
• Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)–based disease modeling.

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

Specifically, the doctoral candidate will :

• 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.

This project offers a unique opportunity to work at the crossroads of human genetics, reproductive neuroendocrinology, and stem cell biology, within a translational and clinically anchored research framework.

Within the framework of the doctoral thesis, the PhD candidate will :

• 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 which are currently used in the laboratory.

The ideal candidate will have :

• 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 organizational skills, scientific rigor, 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.)

• First-rate social benefits such as a Paternity Leave of 20 days and a Maternity Leave of 4 months (there is also the possibility to obtain a complementary breastfeeding leave of 1 month)
• Regular salary progression adapted to your responsibilities
• 25 days of vacations per year
• A right to at least three days of training per year, by accessing a wide offer of courses not only from the CHUV Training Center but also from external providers
• Possibility to access one of the 500 furnished apartments offered in the surrounding neighborhoods in case of relocation in Switzerland
• Discounts proposed on social and cultural events, goodies and other services, thanks to the “H-Oxygène” association
• Signing up to our Mobility Plan and benefit from different advantages (discounts on public transportation, promotion of “Mobility” car fleet and discounts on electric bikes)
• Being able to enjoy our high-quality corporate restaurants, located in every hospital building, with employees’ discount.

Contact for information on the function:
Professor Nelly PITTELOUD - Head of the Endocrinology department, per e-mail: E-Mail schreiben (please note that applications sent by email won't be accepted)

All of our applications are processed electronically. For this reason, we kindly ask you to apply exclusively by clicking on the APPLY button at the bottom of the advertisement.

Should you experience any problems with your application, you can consult our document "how to apply online". In case of technical issues, you can contact our Recruitment team who will help (E-Mail schreiben / )

The CHUV applies the highest quality requirements as part of its recruitment process. In addition, mindful to promote workplace diversity and inclusion we strive to ensure equal treatment and avoid any discrimination. We are looking forward to receiving your application.

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