Postdoctoral researcher in Translational Neuroscience

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.

Your role

The Translational Neuroscience team's focus lies in the identification of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for Parkinson's disease (PD), aimed at bridging the gap between fundamental research and clinical research by embedding the "bed to bench to bedside" research approach. Fundamental research focuses on induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neuronal models to elucidate the molecular and cellular alterations contributing to neurodegeneration in familial and idiopathic forms of PD, Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), atypical parkinsonism (e.g. PSP or MSA), and REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD). Newly discovered molecular targets and disease-associated cellular phenotypes are used as readouts in drug screening approaches, to identify molecules that, after in vitro and in vivo validation, could be potentially used in future intelligent clinical trials. The clinical research focus is part of the National Centre for Excellence in Research on Parkinson's Disease (NCER-PD), an initiative originally funded by the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR).

Parkinson's disease (PD) remains one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative movement disorders, yet its early pathogenic mechanisms are poorly understood. Recent findings from the Luxembourg PD cohort suggest that terminally differentiated effector memory CD8 T cells (CD8 TEMRA) play a critical role in the early phase of idiopathic PD (iPD), potentially through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC).

This project aims to investigate the pathophysiological role of CD8 TEMRA-mediated ADCC in individuals at the prodromal stage of PD, particularly those affected by REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), a high-risk group for developing PD. Using cutting-edge technologies including iPSC-based dopaminergic neuron modeling, single-cell transcriptomics, and genome-scale auto-antibody profiling, the project seeks to uncover novel immune mechanisms underlying early neurodegeneration and identify potential predictive biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform deep immunophenotyping of CD8 T cell subsets in cohorts of RBD participants and healthy controls
• Screen for autoantibodies using genome-scale protein microarrays and focus arrays
• Differentiate iPSCs into midbrain dopaminergic neurons and perform single-cell RNA sequencing
• Conduct co-culture experiments to validate CD8 TEMRA-mediated ADCC on patient-derived neurons
• Analyze complex immunological, transcriptomic, and cellular datasets
• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams of immunologists, neuroscientists, and clinicians
• Prepare manuscripts, reports, and present findings at national and international conferences

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:

• PhD in Immunology, Neuroscience, Cell Biology, or a related field
• Strong experience with flow cytometry, cell sorting, and immunophenotyping
• Hands-on experience with iPSC culture and differentiation preferred
• Familiarity with single-cell RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis is an advantage
• Strong publication record in relevant areas is desirable
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment

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 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 24 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Belval Campus
• Internal Title: Postdoctoral researcher
• Job Reference: UOL07936

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