University of Luxembourg

About the LCSB

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB) is an interdisciplinary research centre of the University of Luxembourg.

We conduct fundamental and translational research in the field of Systems Biology and Biomedicine – in the lab, in the clinic and in silico. We focus on neurodegenerative processes and are especially interested in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and their contributing factors. The LCSB recruits talented scientists from various disciplines: computer scientists, mathematicians, biologists, chemists, engineers, physicists and clinicians from more than 50 countries currently work at the LCSB. We excel because we are truly interdisciplinary, and together we contribute to science and society.

Your role

The successful candidate will join the Enzymology & Metabolism group, led by Prof. Carole Linster, which deciphers the cellular metabolism in rare and more common neurodegenerative or neurometabolic diseases. We exploit genomic and post-genomic data to fill gaps in metabolic networks, discover new enzyme functions, and elucidate their role in disease. For more information, please visit our website. The open position is part of the NAXDivo Core project, funded by the Fonds National de la Recherche (FNR), which aims at generating and analyzing whole organism models (zebrafish and mouse) to dissect the pathophysiology of a recently identified rare pediatric neurometabolic disorder. The approach involves mainly deep longitudinal phenotyping at the transcriptome, metabolome, and brain morphology levels. The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with the LCSB core facilities, as well as the Skupin and Heneka groups.

Main tasks:

• Generate mutant and transgenic reporter lines in zebrafish and mouse
• Participate in all the metabolomic and singe cell transcriptomic aspects of the study, from sample preparation to data analysis
• Perform behavioral assays in the animal models
• Immunohistochemical analysis of neuronal, astroglial and microglial markers in zebrafish and mouse brain samples
• In vivo imaging of specific brain cells in the transgenic zebrafish and mouse lines
• Develop phenotypic rescue assays, based on selected readouts, in the generated disease models to test small molecule drug candidates
• Modern data management and precise project documentation
• Work in a collaborative environment, also with different service-based core platforms (animal, sequencing, metabolomics, and imaging facilities)
• Active participation in group meetings
• Independent drafting of ethics proposal, project reports and grant applications
• Write manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals as well as present research findings at international scientific meetings

For further information, please contact Assoc. Prof. Carole Linster (email address: carole.linster@uni.lu).

Your profile

• PhD degree in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, or another similar life science-related discipline
• Prior experience with mouse models (neuropathology, behavioral assays), advanced microscopy techniques, and behavioral assays is essential
• Prior experience with zebrafish as well as omics data generation and analysis will be considered as important assets
• Strong drive for experimental work, including the handling of model organisms, and a high curiosity to decipherdisease mechanisms
• Strong theoretical background and practical experience in neurosciences, with a keen interest for neurometabolism
• Solid bioinformatic and biostatistics skills will be required
• Excellent organizational and management skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Fluency in oral and written English is essential

We offer

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the “University of the Greater Region” (UniGR)
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …

How to apply

Applications in English should include:

• Curriculum Vitae including a list of publications
• Cover letter that includes a brief description of previous research experience and the motivation for the specific advertised position
• Copies of diploma and transcripts
• Name and contact details of at least three referees

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 12 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Campus Belval
• Internal Title: Postdoctoral researcher
• Job Reference: UOL07479

The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is EUR 85176 (full time).