Ph.D. Position in Molecular and Cellular Biology

Nutrient Signaling and Control of Quiescence in Yeast

About the Project

The De Virgilio Lab at the Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, in Switzerland, is interested in nutrient signalling pathways (including, but not limited to TORC1 signaling) and their role in the control of cell proliferation and quiescence in the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast). Our methodological approaches include a combination of genetic, biochemical, and molecular techniques and are aimed at understanding the basic mechanisms that control entry into, survival in, and exit from quiescence. For a more detailed description of our projects, please see: https://www.unifr.ch/bio/en/research/biochemistry/de-virgilio.html

We look for an exceptionally motivated PhD student who holds a Master's degree in Life Sciences (from a higher education institution recognized by the University of Fribourg; https://www.unifr.ch/studies/en/admission/admission-doctorate-post-doctorate ) with substantial wet-lab experience and with interests in the areas outlined above. Excellent communication skills in English are an asset.

We offer:

·      a stimulating, interdisciplinary scientific environment 

·      state-of-the-art central facilities for proteomic, imaging, and bioinformatic analyses

·      a coordinated graduate program (www.unifr.ch/bio/en/studies/graduate-school-fglm/ )

·      a competitive Swiss salary  

The starting date for this position is earliest October 1st, 2023. Interested candidates should send a SINGLE PDF application including a CV, a brief statement of their research interests, a copy of their MSc diploma, and names of three referees by email to: Claudio.DeVirgilio@unifr.ch

Selected publications from the lab:

Dokládal L, Stumpe M, Hu Z, Jaquenoud M, Dengjel J & De Virgilio C (2021). Phosphoproteomic responses of TORC1 target kinases reveal discrete and convergent mechanisms that orchestrate the quiescence program in yeast. Cell Rep 37, 110149.

Dokládal L, Stumpe M, Pillet B, Hu Z, Garcia Osuna GM, Kressler D, Dengjel J & De Virgilio C (2021). Global Phosphoproteomics pinpoints uncharted Gcn2-mediated mechanisms of translational control. Mol Cell 81, 1-11.

Hatakeyama R, Péli-Gulli MP, Hu Z, Jaquenoud M, Garcia Osuna GM, Sardu A, Dengjel J & De Virgilio C (2019). Spatially distinct pools of TORC1 balance protein homeostasis. Mol Cell 73, 1-14.

Hu Z, Raucci S, Jaquenoud M, Hatakeyama R, Stumpe M, Rohr R, Reggiori F, De Virgilio C & Dengjel J. (2019). Multilayered control of protein turnover by TORC1 and Atg1. Cell Rep 28, 3486-3496.