Section of Immunology at VSF

PhD position in mucosal immunology research 80 %

Start of employment 01.01.2027, temporary

The Leibundgut-lab at the University of Zurich wishes to recruit a highly motivated PhD student to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that orchestrate homeostatic immunity in mucosal tissues.

Your responsibilities

The successful candidate will lead a project focused on T cell responses against commensal fungi and delineate the mechanisms underlying protective Th17 immune induction and maintenance in the oral mucosa using murine models of persistent Candida albicans colonization.

This position offers opportunities to develop original research directions within a collaborative and well-supported environment.

Your profile

Applicants will possess a MSc degree in immunology or a related field and have a strong background in mucosal/barrier immunology, T cell biology and/or infection biology. They should have hands-on experience in high-parameter flow cytometry and in vivo models. Experience in bioinformatics is desirable. You will enjoy working in an interdisciplinary environment at the interface of immunology and infection biology, show initiative in driving projects forward, and think “outside of the box”.

Information on your application

The Leibundgut-lab provides a stimulating and collaborative research environment with access to excellent infrastructure and core facilities. The lab is located at the Irchel Campus (Vetsuisse-Faculty) and is associated with the Institute of Experimental Immunology of University of Zurich and the MRC Centre of Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, UK.

Zurich offers an outstanding quality of life and a vibrant international research community.

The position is available from 1st January 2027 or by agreement.

Please apply here before 25th September 2026 and submit one single pdf containing:
  • Motivation letter
  • CV
  • Publication list
  • Contact details of two referees

What we offer

Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. Find out more: https://www.uzh.ch/de/explore/work.html.

What we offer

Work-Life Balance
  • Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
  • Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH


More
Learning and Development
  • Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
  • Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

More
Food
  • Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
  • Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

More
Healthcare
  • Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
  • Free seasonal flu vaccinations
  • Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

More
Discounts
  • Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
  • Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions

More
Conditions of Employment
  • Policies of the UZH
  • Most UZH staff are employed according to public law


More
International Services
  • Support for people from outside Switzerland

More
Campuses
  • Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
  • Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

More

Further information

Questions about the job

Salomé LeibundGut-Landmann Prof.
Contact Form

Contact question to: Salomé LeibundGut-Landmann

Thank you for your message. We will get back to you shortly.
Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/en/explore/work.html

Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.

Working at UZH

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer! More
UZH