Postdoc Position in Microbiology

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
Duration: 12 Months
Work Hours: Full Time, 40 Hours per Week
Location: Belval Campus, University of Luxembourg
Internal Title: Postdoctoral Researcher
Job Reference: UOL07699
Annual Gross Salary: EUR 85,176 (full time)

About the FSTM

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

The Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) contributes multidisciplinary expertise in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences, and Medicine. Through its dual mission of teaching and research, the FSTM seeks to generate and disseminate knowledge and train new generations of responsible citizens to better understand, explain, and advance the society and environment in which we live.

Your Role

The human microbiome represents a reservoir of pathogen-associated genes, specifically virulence factors (VFs), including toxins, antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), and biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). Studies focusing on these infection-mediating genes are typically limited to specific pathogenic taxa and seldom consider the overall infective competence represented by them in the context of the microbiome.

Using a triptych approach leveraging in silico, in vitro, and in vivo methods, the INFECTOME project aims to systematically characterize and validate microbiome-borne VFs implicated in human diseases, with a particular focus on cancer. This project will expand knowledge of the functional role of the human microbiome in health and disease.

The project is funded by the FNR (National Research Fund) and carried out in collaboration with Prof. Paul Wilmes (Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, UL), Rob Finn (EMBL-EBI, UK), and Kim Remans (EMBL, Germany). The MDM group at UL is responsible for validating identified VFs and investigating their mechanisms using relevant in vitro and in vivo cancer models.

The candidate will be expected to:

• Determine the effects of identified VFs using various in vitro and in vivo assays and investigate underlying mechanisms

• Contribute to the development of new methods and assays to study VF functions

• Participate in microbiome- and cancer-related projects

• Ensure scientific quality management and comply with quality assurance standards

• Actively participate in meetings

• Collect, manage, and analyze data

• Present results at monthly Infectome consortium meetings and national/international conferences

• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals

• Perform experiments related to the Infectome project

Activities may be subject to change depending on project needs, laboratory structure, or requirements.

For further information, contact: Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Letellier – Elisabeth.letellier@uni.lu

Your Profile

• PhD in Biological Sciences or a related discipline

• Preferably prior experience as a Postdoctoral Researcher

• Proficiency in cell culture techniques, ideally including 3D models (organoids, spheroids)

• Experience working with purified proteins and performing related assays

• Experience with in vivo experiments is an advantage

• Competence in molecular biology techniques (real-time PCR, FACS analysis, Western blotting)

• Experience with imaging techniques is advantageous

• Strong communication and organizational skills

• Proficiency in written and spoken English

We Offer

• Multilingual and international environment with staff from 90 countries

• Modern university with high-quality equipment and infrastructure

• Opportunities for collaboration with European institutions, industry, and non-academic partners

• Partner for society and industry, with strong ties to the Luxembourg labour market

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

Applications should include (in PDF format):

• Curriculum Vitae

• Cover Letter

• Names and contact details of at least two referees

Early application is highly encouraged, as applications will be processed upon reception.

The University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, upholding equality and respect for employees and students.

In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com