EDCB Open positions

https://www.epfl.ch/labs/lbm/

At least 2 openings are available. PhD projects will be available in the following two areas of research:

• Biological nanopores for single-molecule sensing

Nanopore sensing is a powerful single-molecule approach currently developed for the precise detection of biomolecules, as for instance in DNA and protein sequencing. Our laboratory is developing this technology exploiting the properties of biological pores. Recently, we showed that aerolysin, a pore-forming toxin, exhibits high sensitivity for single-molecule detection and can be ad hoc engineered for different sensing tasks. The goal of this project is to develop and characterize aerolysin-based nanopores as sensing devices to be applied for genome sequencing, proteomic analysis and disease diagnosis. The project is highly interdisciplinary, includes experimental and computational aspects and interactions with a diverse network of collaborators.  Students with a background in biochemistry, physics, bioengineering and computational sciences are encouraged to apply.

• Integrative modeling at the membrane-protein interface

Molecular interfaces are essential for the formation and regulation of all assemblies that sustain life, to define cellular boundaries and intracellular organization, and to mediate communication with the outer environment. Our laboratory has been studying the molecular mechanisms governing the association of proteins to their membrane interfaces in order to understand the functional implications of this interplay. Multiple projects are available that focus on the theoretical and computational investigation of the structural and dynamic properties of membrane protein systems. All of them are addressed in synergy with experimental collaborators to allow for an efficient integration of biochemical and biophysical data. Students with a background in biochemistry, physics, bioengineering and computational sciences are encouraged to apply.

https://www.epfl.ch/labs/ramdya-lab/

In the Neuroengineering Laboratory, we are reverse-engineering cognitive and motor behaviors in the fly, Drosophila melanogaster, to better understand the mind and to design more intelligent robots. Flies are an ideal model: they generate complex behaviors, their nervous systems are small, and they are genetically malleable. Our lab develops and leverages advanced microscopy, machine learning, genetics, and computational modeling approaches to address systems-level questions.

We are always looking for talented researchers to join our team. Join us! There is much to discover!”

https://www.epfl.ch/labs/lpbs/

Using optogenetics, directed evolution, and AI to create new proteins.

The Rahi lab has recently created a method for the directed evolution of switchable multi-state proteins. We are looking for a brilliant new PhD student with excellent

– experimental,

– problem-solving, and

– conceptualization skills

and a strong interest in computation to develop the next generation of directed evolution methods, in combination with optogenetics and AI.

Applications: controllable antibodies, optogenetic systems, orthogonal signaling systems.

For questions, email: sahand.rahi@epfl.ch

https://www.epfl.ch/labs/deplanckelab/

PhD Position in Computational Biology – Adipose Tissue Dynamics

Seeking a PhD student to lead computational analysis of rich single-cell omic, spatial, and imaging data on adipose tissue (AT) plasticity. This project focuses on the role of adipocyte stem and precursor cells (ASPCs) and their regulatory mechanisms in AT, particularly through a novel stromal cell subtype, “Adipogenesis Regulators” (Aregs), identified for their anti-adipogenic properties. The candidate will analyze data to understand Aregs’ function across various states such as obesity and caloric restriction and explore a newly discovered IGFBP2+ cell type in human AT. This role offers the opportunity to advance our understanding of adipose biology and its impact on metabolic health using cutting-edge computational methods. »

Title: Extrinsic control of intrinsic cellular timing

Description: How do spatio-temporal patterns emerge at the tissue level from noisy cellular and molecular interactions? What are the principles that govern transitions from parts to wholes, and those that determine precision and robustness? We explore these issues using a population of genetic oscillators in the vertebrate embryo termed the segmentation clock that governs the rhythmic and sequential subdivision of the body into somites that later build the segmented bones and muscles of the adult body.

We have an opening in the group for a curious, indepedent and motivated person who would like to explore the balance of cell-intrinsic timing and extrinsic signaling factors in the segmentation clock. This person will build on our recent work in Rohde et al., eLife https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.93764.2.

Questions adressed by the project include: What temporal behaviors are encoded within cells of the segmentation clock? What is the molecular basis of these cell-intrinsic programs? Which signals from other cells or cues from the embryonic environment influence the intrinsic behavior? What dynamics in these noisy signals are relevant for information transfer, and how are they decoded by indivdual or groups of cells?

We use the zebrafish as a model system, combining genetic engineering, time-lapse microscopy of single cells and embryos, image processing, various omics approaches, biochemistry, data analysis and modeling to understand the biology. We are looking for people with a mix of experimental and computational skills. If this sounds interesting to you, then please apply to the Timing, Oscillators, Patterns lab.