PhD Positions in Tissue Formation and Spatial Omics

The Wan Laboratory at the Center for Integrative Genomics (CIG), University of Lausanne, invites applications from highly motivated students interested in developmental biology, quantitative biology, imaging, and spatial omics. The laboratory will open in January 2027 and focuses on understanding one of the central questions in biology: How do developing embryos build tissues with remarkable precision, even when individual cells are subject to seemingly stochastic factors and behave variably?

To address the question, we develop and apply cutting-edge spatial omics (weMERFISH, Science, 2026), in-toto live imaging (Cell, 2019; recent preprints), genetics, and computational modeling in the zebrafish retina and early embryo. By linking gene expression, cell behavior, lineage history, and tissue mechanics, we aim to uncover the principles that transform variable cellular behaviors into robust biological form.

As a newly established laboratory, students will have the unique opportunity to shape ambitious research projects from the ground up while benefiting from dedicated mentorship, broad interdisciplinary training, and access to world-class research infrastructure at UNIL and across the vibrant Lausanne life science ecosystem.

Qualifications

• Ideally the candidate should have completed (or expect to complete) a MSc in biology, biophysics, bioengineering, computational biology, or a related field;
• Strong interest in embryonic development, methodological innovation, and quantitative biology;
• Experience with imaging, computational approaches (programming or modeling) or zebrafish genetics is an advantage but not mandatory;
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in an English-speaking environment.

How to apply

Please apply through the official application portal

Candidates will be evaluated starting in August 2026 and until the positions are filled. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. The PhD students are ideally expected to start sometime between February and May 2027.

Postdocs and other opportunities are also available. For more information, please visit: www.wanlab.bio