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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Presentation
We develop deep learning and computational methods to understand and design proteins and their interactions. We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to develop and lead a research direction within the group. Our research interests include:
- representation learning from protein foundation models
- biomolecular structure and interaction prediction, including protein-ligand and protein-protein interactions
- generative protein design
- generalisable deep learning for biomolecular systems
- remote homology detection and large-scale functional analysis
For an overview of our research, see pickybinders.org. These are broad directions, you will have substantial freedom to shape your research within the group.
Job information
Duration: 2 years (initial contract for 1 year, but funding is available for 2 years)
Potential for further extension depending on funding
Start date: Earliest November 2026, by arrangement
Workplace: University of Lausanne, Dorigny
Your qualifications
We are looking for
- A PhD (completed or near completion) in machine learning, computer science, computational
biology, or a related field
- Strong Python skills and experience with a deep learning framework (PyTorch preferred)
- Experience applying deep learning to structured or scientific data
- A track record of research through publications, preprints, or open-source software
- Independence, curiosity, and the ability to develop and pursue new research ideas
Prior experience with proteins or structural biology is useful but not required. We welcome applicants
from adjacent areas including generative modelling, representation learning, language models, and
geometric deep learning who are interested in applying their expertise to protein science
Contact for further question
Prof Janani Durairaj, e-mail: [email protected]
Your application
Deadline: ongoing
Please, send your full application in Word or PDF.
- a CV including publications, preprints, and relevant software
- a 1–2 page letter describing your previous research, the scientific problems that currently
interest you, how these connect to the group, and why you are applying
- the names of two refereesApplications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
We encourage applications from candidates from backgrounds underrepresented in computational
science
Only applications through this website will be taken into account.
We thank you for your understanding.
What the position offers you
We offer a nice working place in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment. Opportunities for professional training, a lot of activities and other benefits to discover.
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Additional information
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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