Hosting ERC Starting Grant Applicants

The Department of Biomedical Sciences (DBS) at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), Switzerland, is seeking outstanding researchers interested in applying for an ERC Starting Grant (October 2025 deadline). We invite expressions of interest from candidates who aim to establish an independent research group in the field of biomedical sciences.

About the Department

The DBS is part of the Faculty of Biology and Medicine at UNIL and comprises about 20 independent research groups and over 100 researchers working on fundamental and translational biomedical research. Our department offers a vibrant and collaborative research environment, with expertise spanning multiple levels of biological complexity, from cell-based models to animal models and human studies.

We are located in Lausanne, a dynamic scientific hub hosting several top-tier research institutions, offering access to cutting-edge core facilities and a stimulating academic environment. Our labs are located on the University Hospital campus, allowing for close collaboration with clinical colleagues. More about the department: DBS Website.

What we are looking for

We seek outstanding scientists with an exciting and innovative research vision who are competitive for an ERC Starting Grant and wish to develop their career in an internationally competitive and interdisciplinary research environment.

We are particularly interested in colleagues whose research aligns with departmental interests, who are interactive, and for whom we can provide the best possible support for their applications and career progression. Our support involves substantial commitment-not just light-touch assistance-so a strong match between the person, the project, and our environment is essential.

Candidates should:

• Be eligible for an ERC Starting Grant (2-7 years of postdoctoral experience since PhD completion);
• Have an outstanding publication record in biomedical sciences;
• Be looking to develop an independent research line within our department;
• Have an ambitious and innovative research program.

What we offer

We provide a supportive and stimulating environment that enables candidates to develop their independence and progress their career to the next stage. We will provide scientific and administrative support to help candidates prepare their applications. Selected candidates who are successful in obtaining an ERC Starting Grant will receive:

• Full Principal Investigator status and dedicated research space;
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and core facilities;
• Additional flexible financial support beyond that from the ERC Starting Grant funds to cover access to core facilities, additional staff, and/or consumables costs.
• Administrative support for grant applications, HR, and purchasing;
• Mentorship and training in research group leadership and management;
• Formal progress reviews to support career development;
• Experience in teaching and academic administration, with minimal commitments;
• Transition support towards the next career stage-many awardees stay in Lausanne, while others secure faculty positions elsewhere.

Successful candidates will also have full access to all facilities and shared technology platforms within the university, including next-generation sequencing, microscopy, and flow cytometry. The candidate will also be supported by an exceptional team of professional staff.

Application process

Interested candidates should submit the following documents as a single PDF file:

• Curriculum Vitae, including full publication list;
• Motivation letter (1 page);
• Summary of current and proposed research plans for the next 5 years (2-3 pages);
• Contact details of three referees.

Deadline for submission: 27 April 2025

Applications should be sent via email as a single pdf to dsb-direction@unil.ch.

We also invite researchers who already hold similar external funding and wish to relocate to Lausanne to contact us for opportunities.

Successful candidates may also be supported to apply for SNSF Starting Grants, which are expected to have a submission deadline in January 2026.

We look forward to receiving your application!