Doctoral Student SNSF in Microbial Interaction Networks and Metabolic Ecology

Introduction

The University of Lausanne is a higher teaching and research institution composed of seven faculties where approximately 14,300 students and nearly 3,800 collaborators, professors, and researchers work and study. Ideally situated along the lake of Geneva, near Lausanne's city center, its campus brings together over 120 nationalities.

Presentation

The Pacheco Lab (pachecolab.com) in the Department of Fundamental Microbiology at the University of Lausanne offers a position as a Doctoral Student SNSF in microbial interaction networks and metabolic ecology (experimental or interdisciplinary experimental/computational focus).

Job information

Expected start date: flexible, earliest 01 September 2026
Contract length: 1 year, renewable
Activity rate: 100%
Workplace: University of Lausanne, Dorigny Campus

Your responsibilities

The Pacheco Lab has an open position to investigate how environmental conditions shape microbial interactions, with a particular focus on plant-associated systems.

In nature, microbes form complex communities whose functions are tightly linked to those of their host ecosystems. While previous work has shown that resource availability strongly influences microbial community composition, we still lack a mechanistic understanding of how environmental conditions – especially those associated with plant hosts – reshape microbial interactions.

A major challenge in microbial ecology is that interactions between microbes are not fixed, but instead depend on environmental context. Plant-associated environments, such as the rhizosphere, are characterized by complex and dynamic resource landscapes shaped by root exudates and spatial structure. These features are expected to fundamentally influence microbial cooperation, competition, and metabolic dependencies, yet the underlying principles governing these effects remain poorly understood.

Through this project, we aim to uncover how environmental context rewires microbial interaction networks through metabolic mechanisms. Using controlled experimental systems that mimic key features of plant-associated environments, the successful candidate will systematically investigate how changes in resource composition, temporal dynamics, and environmental structure influence interactions among bacteria. A central goal of the project is to move beyond pairwise interactions and develop a network-level understanding of how microbial communities respond to environmental complexity.

This work will contribute to a predictive framework linking metabolic traits, environmental conditions, and microbial interaction networks, with long-term applications in the rational design of microbial communities for plant health and environmental sustainability. 

Your qualifications

We are looking for a motivated and curious candidate with a strong interest in microbial ecology and quantitative biology.
Applicants should have:

-    A Master’s degree in microbiology, biology, bioengineering, systems biology, or related disciplines
-    Strong interest in microbial interactions, metabolism, and ecology
-    Strong knowledge of bacterial metabolism and cell biology
-    Practical experience with microbial culturing and general microbiological techniques
-    Basic knowledge in programming
-    Proficiency in English
-    Strong personal drive for scientific research, a curious nature, and the capability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a growing interdisciplinary team
-    Interdisciplinary candidates with experience in computational modeling or bioinformatics for microbial ecology are strongly encouraged to apply

What the post offers you

You will join a new and highly motivated interdisciplinary research group focused on understanding and engineering microbial interactions for host health and sustainability applications. Located in the Biophore building overlooking Lake Geneva and the Alps, our lab is embedded within the vibrant and international research environment of the Department of Fundamental Microbiology at the University of Lausanne. Our state-of-the-art biology and computational lab space is supported by UNIL's excellent research infrastructure (e.g., computing cluster and sequencing, metabolomics, and microscopy facilities) and a collaborative network of leading researchers in microbial ecology, computational biology, sustainable agriculture, and medicine (e.g., NCCR Microbiomes, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, EPFL, and CHUV). UNIL is deeply integrated within the broader Lausanne community and region, which offers ample opportunities for professional training and a rich cultural life.
Please visit our website for more information on our group, research interests, and publications:
https://pachecolab.com