EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main missions of the institutions: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 18,500 people, including over 14,000 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries.

Postdoc position in the Plant Adaptation Lab at EPFL

Mission


The newly established Plant Adaptation Lab (PAL) is looking for a motivated researcher to work on an exciting Swiss National Science Foundation funded project to study plant adaptation to salinity stress.

 

About the Plant Adaptation Laboratory (PAL)

The PAL focuses on mineral nutrition and stress adaptation in plants. Soil salinization is a major agronomic problem with human activity, climate change and rising sea levels rapidly contributing to this issue. While it is widely acknowledged that salinity is a critical factor that limits plant growth and crop productivity worldwide, there are serious gaps in our understanding of how sodium toxicity plays out at the cellular level. At PAL we investigate the fine-tuning mechanisms plants employ to cope with salinity stress.  

Profile

  • PhD in Biology
  • Experience in developmental biology, plant physiology
  • Aptitude and strong interest in imaging, and/or NanoSIMS, or willingness to obtain these skills
  • Excellent oral and written English skills. They will also have demonstrated ability to perform research and develop novel ideas along with a proven record in scientific writing and oral presentations

Tasks and responsibilities

As a part of this project the postdoc will study the cellular stress responses and perform comparative ion physiology studies on genetic model Arabidopsis and halophytes to investigate salinity tolerance mechanisms.

He/she will use the newly developed in situ cryo-elemental imaging together with genetics and spatial omics technique to formulate new hypotheses and deep dive into plant stress adaptation studies.

We offer

  • A unique opportunity to develop new avenues in the field of cryo-imaging and nutrient physiology
  • Work on multidisciplinary, cutting-edge projects and develop an independent research profile
  • Opportunity to access state-of-the-art research facilities and laboratory resources
  • A competitive Swiss postdoc salary

 

EPFL is an international and top ranking university, offers a stimulating, interdisciplinary, international friendly work environment. You will have access to a broad range of scientific training, networking events, and hosts a vibrant entrepreneurial community; furthemore EPFL is an equal-opportunity employer

Application information

  • Your application should include: 1. Motivation letter; 2. Full CV including publications and transcript of records (Bachelor and Master); 3. Contact information of at least 2 people who can provide a letter of reference.
  • Please submit your interest as a single document.
  • Review of applications will start immediately until the position has been filled

Informations

Contract Start Date : 09/01/2025 

Activity Rate  : 100.00 

Contract Type: CDD

Duration: 1 year, renewable 

Reference: 1618