Postdoctoral researcher in molecular immunology and microprotein biology

Introduction

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

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How do newly translated microproteins shape antigen presentation and anti-tumor immunity? We are seeking an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher to investigate the cellular function, localization, and immunological relevance of cancer-associated microproteins using state-of-the-art molecular biology, genome engineering, imaging, and immunological approaches.

The Immunopeptidomics Laboratory, led by Prof. Michal Bassani-Sternberg at the Department of Fundamental Oncology (DOF), University of Lausanne (UNIL), is recruiting a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher for a fully funded three-year project. The laboratory develops innovative experimental approaches to uncover novel antigens for cancer immunotherapy by combining molecular biology, immunology, and quantitative proteomics.

Expected start date: October 1, 2026 or to be agreed upon

Contract: Initial one-year fixed-term contract, renewable annually for a maximum total duration of three years.

Employment rate:100%

Location:Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland

This project will investigate how non-canonical microproteins translated from non-coding regions contribute to HLA class I antigen presentation and anti-tumor immune responses. The successful candidate will characterize the biological functions of these newly discovered microproteins, determine their intracellular localization and molecular interactome, evaluate their role in cellular fitness, and assess their immunogenicity using patient-derived immune cells. The project combines cutting-edge CRISPR genome engineering, advanced microscopy, T-cell immunology, and functional genomics to uncover fundamental mechanisms of antigen presentation and identify novel targets for cancer immunotherapy.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and creative scientist with:

• A PhD in molecular biology, immunology, cancer biology, cell biology, or a related discipline.
• Strong hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture and molecular biology.
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, cloning, and generation of engineered cell lines.
• Expertise in flow cytometry and cellular immunology techniques.
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, or live-cell imaging is highly desirable.
• Experience with co-immunoprecipitation, protein interaction studies, or protein tagging approaches is an asset.
• Experience with T-cell functional assays (ELISpot, intracellular cytokine staining, cytotoxicity assays, or related methods) is an advantage.
• Strong organizational and communication skills and the ability to work independently within a collaborative interdisciplinary team.

We offer a stimulating interdisciplinary research environment within a multicultural and collaborative team specializing in immunopeptidomics and cancer immunology. The position provides an outstanding opportunity to:

• Investigate fundamental mechanisms of antigen presentation and the biology of newly discovered microproteins.
• Develop expertise in CRISPR genome engineering, endogenous protein tagging, and functional genomics.
• Apply advanced cellular imaging, including confocal microscopy and live-cell imaging, to study protein localization and trafficking.
• Perform cutting-edge immunological assays using patient-derived immune cells to evaluate anti-tumor T-cell responses.
• Study protein interaction networks using co-immunoprecipitation and proteomic approaches.
• Collaborate closely with experts in immunology, molecular biology, quantitative proteomics, and computational biology.
• Publish in leading international journals and present your work at major scientific conferences.
• Benefit from scientific mentoring and opportunities to develop scientific independence in a supportive international research environment.

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Professor Michal Bassani

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We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and supportive research environment.

We thank you for your understanding.

UNIL is committed to:

• 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.

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