Postdoctoral researcher for MicroAmylo - Parkinson's disease

About us

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.

The Systems Ecology group at the LCSB is further expanding its research efforts on microbiomes and has an immediate opening for a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher (entry- to advanced-level position) to work on resolving the role of exogenous amyloidogenic peptides and the gut microbiome in promoting Parkinson-linked pathologies in mouse models.

A small proportion of human chronic diseases can be explained by genetic factors alone. The largest reservoir of human-borne microbial biomass is the gastrointestinal tract, comprising around 500-1,000 bacterial species forming individual-specific communities that integrate environmental inputs with genetic signals to affect host physiology. While differences in gut microbiome structure have been described for numerous chronic diseases including Parkinson's disease (PD), the functional repercussions of dysbiosis on distant organs such as the central nervous system remain unknown. Microbiome-derived amyloidogenic proteins are of particular interest, notably to better understand their cross-seeding potential. Here, we aim to i) elucidate the extent to which gut presence of amyloidogenic proteins affects the microbiome and intestinal barrier function; ii) investigate consequences for resolving immune response after acute disease onset; and iii) better understand the impact on pathogenesis and risk for developing conditions such as Parkinson's disease.

Your role

• Generate, manage, and work-up mouse study cohorts, in particular germ-free and gnotobiotic mice
• Perform experimental manipulations of study mice, including injections via different routes, surgeries, and organ work-up
• Monitor and analyze study mice with standard behavioral, biochemical and neuropathology assays, actively participate in metagenomic analyses
• Perform proteomic analyses
• Leverage existing expertises at LCSB, collaborate with internal and external colleagues to achieve goals
• Report and disseminate results: manuscripts, conference talks

Your profile

• PhD in Life Sciences/Neurosciences with deep, hands-on knowledge of germ-free and gnotobiotic in vivo models
• Solid expertise with in vivo mouse work, from execution to final analysis as illustrated by impactful publications; minimum FELASA A required: FELASA B a plus
• Expertise in behavioral and neuropathological assessment of mouse models of neurodegeneration a plus
• Expertise in multi-omic analyses is considered a plus
• Proactive, collaborative communicator with great organizational and problem-solving skills as well as willingness to work independently in phases of potentially little guidance from supervisor
• Committed to research integrity and open, reproducible science
• Fluency in English is required

We offer

• A modern, dynamic university with a personal and inclusive atmosphere. Multilingual and international character. Staff coming from more than 90 countries. Member of The Guild of European Research Intensive Universities
• An exceptional research environment, supported by skilled staff and high-quality equipment. Strong links to professional sectors and the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban campus with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and a wide range of non-academic partners including ministries, local governments, associations, and NGOs

How to apply

Applications in English should include:

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 36 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Belval Campus
• Internal Title: Postdoctoral researcher
• Job Reference: UOL08253

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