Sernior Scientist

UNIVERSITY OF GENEVA, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Group of Caroline Tapparel  POSITION OPENINGMaître-assistant (Senior Research and Teaching Associate) in Molecular Virology (100%)POSITION DESCRIPTIONThe Faculty of Medicine of the University of Geneva benefits from a rich multicultural environment and contributes to it through its missions in teaching, research, and partnership with the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG).   To strengthen its dynamic team, the Group of Caroline Tapparel in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, is seeking a:Maître-assistant in Molecular Virology (100%) The research group studies the biology of human enteroviruses, particularly emerging and/or neurotropic strains. The laboratory uses reverse genetics, cell and tissue models, and advanced approaches to analyze the viral life cycle—from cell entry to intercellular spread—as well as recombination and susceptibility to neutralizing antibodies.The successful candidate will ensure the scientific and technical continuity of ongoing projects, coordinate experimental activities, and supervise junior researchers.REQUIRED DEGREE AND COMPETENCIES- PhD in life sciences (molecular virology) or equivalent degree.- Minimum of five years of documented experience in molecular virology, demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications as first and/or corresponding author.- Proven expertise in reverse genetics and in the analysis of viral tropism and spread using cell or tissue cultures and sophisticated imaging tools.- Familiarity with cell culture under BSL-2 conditions and with standard virological methods (e.g., TCID₅₀, FFA or plaque assay, confocal imaging, neutralization assays, and phenotypic characterization of variants).ADDITIONAL ASSETS- Experience in animal experimentation (mouse models).- Skills in omics or bioinformatics applied to virology (e.g., targeted NGS, quasispecies analysis, CRISPR/Cas screening).- Experience in supervising Master’s or PhD students and coordinating multi-partner projects.- Ability to write scientific manuscripts.- Excellent command of scientific English; basic knowledge of French desirable.- Demonstrated ability to obtain research funding.- Mobility.MAIN DUTIES- Design, plan, and conduct experimental programs on enteroviruses: reverse genetics, creation and validation of mutants, studies on inter-strain recombination, determinants of tropism and neurovirulence, and identification of host factors influencing replication (CRISPR/Cas screenings).- Implement and optimize infections on tissue models: maintenance, differentiation, infections, sampling (apical/basolateral), molecular and functional analyses.- Develop and standardize virological assays (infectivity, neutralization, entry/uncoating, spread) and analytical pipelines (qRT-PCR, imaging, NGS).- Provide scientific supervision to junior researchers (training in methods, best practices, and EHS/BSL-2 compliance) and coordinate internal and external collaborations.- Rigorously document experiments, analyze and interpret data, and contribute to the writing of publications and funding applications.- Participate actively in laboratory life: team meetings, equipment management, quality procedures, and continuous protocol improvement.PROFILE- PhD or MD-PhD required; significant postdoctoral experience in molecular virology.- Proficiency with standard office software.- Rigor, autonomy, sense of responsibility, and ability to work in a team.- Ability to teach through practice and to work in a demanding research environment.- Full-time availability (100%) and compliance with regulatory requirements (EHS/BSL-2, internal training).START DATE1 February 2026CONTACTIf you meet the above description, we would be pleased to receive your application file (cover letter, CV, certificates, diplomas), to be submitted to caroline.tapparel@unige.chFor further information, please contact Mr Dylan Walser: dylan.walser@unige.chADDITIONAL INFORMATION- Fixed-term contract (1 year, renewable).