The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. The University was founded in 2003 and counts more than 6,700 students and more than 2,000 employees from around the world. The University’s faculties and interdisciplinary centres ;focus on research in the areas of Computer Science and ICT Security, Materials Science, European and International Law, Finance and Financial Innovation, Education, Contemporary and Digital History. In addition, the University focuses on cross-disciplinary research in the areas of Data Modelling and Simulation as well as Health and System Biomedicine. Times Higher Education ranks the University of Luxembourg #3 worldwide for its “international outlook,” #20 in the Young University Ranking 2021 and among the top 250 universities worldwide.
Within the University, the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB) is a highly interdisciplinary research centre (IC), integrating experimental biology and computational biology approaches in order to develop the foundation of a future predictive, preventive and personalized medicine.
At the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB) the Enzymology & Metabolism Research Group headed by Assist. Prof. Dr. Carole Linster focuses on 1) elucidating the physiological functions of more recently identified metabolic enzymes and on developing strategies for accelerating enzyme function discovery; and 2) on generating disease models for selected inborn errors of metabolism to study underlying disease mechanisms and/or investigate treatment options. The group develops advanced phenotyping techniques, including metabolomics, to address related research questions and uses budding yeast, zebrafish, and mammalian cell culture, including iPSC-derived cells, as main model systems.
Your Role…
We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated researcher to work on projects that focus on rare inherited metabolic diseases causing debilitating and progressive neurological symptoms. The projects include deep characterization of zebrafish disease models to study the mechanism underlying the disease and to evaluate innovative strategies to improve diagnosis and early implementation of potential therapies.
More specifically the tasks include:
- Performance of experiments using zebrafish embryos/larvae, e.g. microinjections, behavioral tests, open field recordings, immunohistochemistry, in vivo microscopy, among others
- Application of genome-editing techniques in zebrafish: transient knockdown using morpholinos, generation of knockout/knockin lines using CRISPR/Cas9, gene overexpression by Tol2 transposon system
- Organ dissection, cryodissection of tissues for imaging purposes
- Performance of molecular biology experiments, such as PCR-based genotyping, cloning, and gene expression analysis by qPCR
- Contribution to metabolomics experiments, such as metabolite extractions, LC-MS metabolite analysis
- Development of phenotypic drug screens in zebrafish larvae
- 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)
- Ordering of consumables and maintenance of stocks
- Maintenance of a clean laboratory setting
- Active participation in group meetings, project reporting and proposal writing
What we expect from you…
- A Master’s degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, neurosciences, biotechnology or another similar life science-related discipline
- Experience with molecular biology and microscopy techniques is essential
- Experience with working with animals is essential (animal laboratory science certificate Function A or B according to the European Directive 2010/63/EU is required). Previous experience with aquaculture techniques and/or with zebrafish will be considered as an advantage
- Previous work in the field of metabolic biochemistry and/or neurosciences will be considered as an advantage
- Excellent organizational and management skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong computational skills
- Fluency in oral and written English is essential
In Short…
- Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 12 Month (extension possible)
- Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
- Earliest starting date: September 2022
- Location: Belval
- Job Reference: UOL05071
How to apply…
Applications (in English) should contain the following documents:
- A detailed Curriculum vitae
- A motivation letter that includes a brief description of previous research experience and future interests
- Copy of Master’s degree diploma
- A scan of your animal laboratory science certificate (Function A or B required)
- Name and contact details of at least two referees
Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.
The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.
In return you will get…
- 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 …
Further information…
Questions can be addressed to: carole.linster@uni.lu