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.
DESCRIPTION:
The Systems Ecology group at the LCSB has an immediate opening for a motivated and talented research support technician (entry- to advanced-level position) to assist with the experimental work in the context of in vitro studies of interaction between the human host and the gut microbiome.
Human-borne microorganisms affect the health status of their host directly or indirectly. However, how host cells and microbial cells interact, e.g., in the gut, and how this is linked to health and disease remains poorly understood. The Systems Ecology group has developed an in vitro gut-on-a-chip model to study the human-microbial crosstalk (HuMiX). HuMiX mimicks closely the physiological conditions of the gut and allows for proximal co-culture of human cells and microbial cells, thereby enabling the systematic study of the human-microbiome crosstalk to better understand how the gut microbiome affects host health.
AREA:
In vitro models to study human host-microbiome interactions
Your Role…
You will help to further develop and implement a microfluidics-based human and microbial cell co-culture device (HuMiX) as well as contribute to other ongoing research projects in the realm of molecular microbial ecology. You will support daily lab operations, including ordering lab supplies, sample organization and preparation, biomolecular extraction, protocol optimization, as well as interaction with project partners and platform personnel (internal and external).
Important technical competencies and tasks include, but are not limited to:
- Cell culture (human cells [primary, cell lines, organoids], microbial cells)
- Microscopy techniques (live/dead staining, cell counting, etc.)
- Biomolecular techniques (extraction and storage of DNA, RNA, proteins, and/or metabolites)
- Bioinformatic analyses if possible.
- Optimization and testing of new protocols
- Identification and troubleshooting of technical problems with lab equipment
- Interaction with project partners, e.g., coordination of sample shipment and storage
- Thorough record keeping in a well-organized lab notebook
- Reviewing of local laboratory processes and providing recommendations for improvement
What we expect from you…
- A Bachelor or Master degree (or equivalent) with wet-lab experience
- Experience in human cell culture, microbiological cultivation, and/or molecular biology techniques
- Team player
- Highly reliable and precise work style
- Good organizational skills and willingness to work independently in phases of potentially little guidance from supervisor
- Assistance in general lab activities, e.g., ordering of consumables or organization of lab waste management
- Basic computer skills to ensure electronic record keeping and generation of work summaries, e.g., documenting quality and quantity results from different protocols
- Attention to detail, especially accurate data entry and sample handling
- Communication in English is essential, both written and spoken
- Experience in basic data analysis (generation of summary figures, etc.) will be regarded as an asset
In Short…
- Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 12 Month
- Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
- Starting date: As soon as possible
- Location: Belval
- Internal Title: Research support technician
- Job Reference: UOL04875
How to apply…
Applications in English should be submitted online and include:
- A detailed curriculum vitae
- Cover letter indicating your motivation for this position, relevant past experience and future interests
- Name and addresses of 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…
For further information, please contact:
Prof. Paul Wilmes / Telephone: (+352) 46 66 44 6188 / E-mail: paul.wilmes@uni.lu