PhD or MD-PhD student position (physiology-endocrinology-nutrition-molecular biology)

A PhD student position is available immediately in the laboratory of Dr. Gerasimos Sykiotis in the Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland: http://www.limna.ch/participating_teams/148

To apply formally, follow this link: https://lnkd.in/dc-2f4a 

Topic: "Impact of redox-active natural substances on thyroid pathophysiology."

We have recently found that sulforaphane, a redox-active natural substance present in foods and specifically in cruciferous vegetables, directly up-regulates the mRNA level and the protein abundance of genes central to thyroid function. We therefore hypothesize that exposure to sulforaphane and/or to other natural substances that activate the redox-sensitive transcription factor Nrf2 (NFE2-related factor 2) may cause thyroid dysfunction, thereby contributing to common thyroid diseases such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and goiter (thyroid enlargement). In this context, we aim to:

• Identify redox-active natural substances that impact the expression of thyroid genes.
• Characterize the Nrf2-dependent and Nrf2-independent effects of sulforaphane in thyrocytes.

• Test in vivo the impact of sulforaphane on thyroid anatomy and function.

The project entails work with cell culture and mice. The student will receive theoretical and practical training on these aspects, and will benefit from daily instruction and supervision by an experienced biologist.

The student will be immatriculated for a PhD in the Life Sciences Program of the Doctoral School of the Faculty of Biology and Medicine at the University of Lausanne. The duration of a PhD project at the University of Lausanne cannot be less than 3 years, and it is usually around 4 years. Should additional years of study be necessary, funding for these will be provided by the supervisor.

You should consider applying if have the following qualifications, skills and personal traits:

• You have a Master's degree in Biology or a related Life Science, or a degree in Medicine, Pharmacy or Veterinary Medicine.
• You have basic skills in molecular biology and are good at working with your hands and at doing basic mathematical calculations.
• You learn quickly under supervision and can then assume responsibility for performing on your own tasks of progressively increasing difficulty.
• You are not discouraged by failure and are able to troubleshoot when experiments do not work as expected.
• You are organized, hard-working, studious, self-motivated and ambitious.
• You communicate and collaborate well with your supervisors and your peers and you help to create a positive atmosphere at work.

As an employee of Lausanne University Hospital, you will enjoy:

• High social benefits.
• Regular salary progression according to job responsibilities (fixed yearly salary increases for Phd students).
• Minimum 3 days of additional formal training per year.
• 25 working days of vacation per year.
• Very good restaurants with preferential rates.