Job and Study Opportunities

Postdoctoral position in protein degradation

Postdoctoral position

Institute: EPFL
Country: Switzerland
More information: https://www.epfl.ch/labs/lpmt/

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Protein Degradation

The research will be carried out in the Kozicka lab (Laboratory of Proteostasis and Molecular Therapeutics) at the ISIC, EPFL (Lausanne, Switzerland), which offers an international and collaborative research environment. The position is full-time and funded for three years according to EPFL postdoctoral salary rates, with a start date of February 1st 2027. For further information, please visit the lab’s webpage: https://www.epfl.ch/labs/lpmt/

Project description
Cells continuously regulate protein abundance, localization, and activity through quality-control and signalling pathways. These pathways determine whether individual proteins are maintained, remodeled, or eliminated, and can reveal opportunities to alter protein fate therapeutically. This project will investigate how disease-relevant proteins are recognized and regulated by endogenous protein-degradation pathways, and how these processes can be modulated with small molecules. The work will combine cellular, genetic, biochemical, and quantitative approaches to define mechanisms of protein stability control and identify principles for therapeutic protein modulation.

Qualifications
Candidates must hold a PhD in biochemistry, chemical biology, cell biology, or a related field and demonstrate excellent written and spoken English skills. Due to the nature of the funding, only candidates within two years of PhD defence at the start date can be considered.

We are looking for candidates who:
• Have a strong interest in protein quality control, targeted protein degradation, and principles of molecular recognition, including how proteins are triaged for folding, stabilization, or degradation
• Have substantial hands-on experience in mammalian cell biology, experimental biochemistry, or a related mechanistic discipline
• Enjoy hypothesis-driven research across biochemical, biophysical, and cell-based systems
• Are proactive, enthusiastic team players who can foster scientific discussion, share ideas, and contribute to a supportive and collaborative lab culture

The Kozicka Lab values rigorous, ambitious, and creative science. As a postdoctoral fellow, you will take ownership of a central experimental direction, receive dedicated mentorship, and have the freedom to develop and pursue innovative ideas within an inclusive and supportive research environment. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Application
Applications should be written in English and include a CV (including a publication list and contact details of two referees) and a motivation letter outlining interest in the position and future goals. Please submit these as a single PDF file to zuzanna.kozicka@epfl.ch with the subject line “LPMT Postdoc Application: [your name]”. We look forward to receiving your application!