Postdoctoral Researcher in Metabolomics and Lipidomics

Contract Type:

Duration:

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 candidate will join our Metabolomics, Lipidomics and Proteomics Platform. The candidate will contribute to the provision, optimisation and development of chromatography–mass spectrometry‑based analytical services for internal and external clients.

This is a service‑oriented position in a core facility environment, with a strong focus on LC‑MS, IC‑MS and GC‑MS measurements, method development, data analysis and quality assurance to deliver robust and reliable data. The role is primarily dedicated to service provision and platform development, rather than pursuing an independent research programme, and involves experimental work combined with data analysis, reporting and client interaction.

Your role

Client‑oriented metabolomics/lipidomics services:

• Design and execute targeted and untargeted metabolomics/lipidomics experiments using LC‑MS, IC‑MS and GC‑MS in the biomedical research context
• Perform high‑throughput measurements of large sample sets with a strong focus on data quality, robustness and reproducibility
• Provide scientific and technical support to clients: study design, sample preparation, basic data interpretation
• Progressively take ownership of selected workflows and client projects and contribute to the supervision and training of junior staff and students

Method development & optimisation:

• Develop, adapt and validate extraction protocols and analytical methods for a wide range of biological matrices, including potentially infectious material
• Implement, document and periodically review standard operating procedures (SOPs) and workflows for routine and advanced analytical assays

Instrument & workflow management:

• Operate, maintain and troubleshoot analytical instruments and associated equipment to ensure optimal performance and minimal downtime
• Contribute to quality‑control procedures and to the continuous improvement of core facility workflows

Data analysis & reporting:

• Analyse complex metabolomics and lipidomics datasets using appropriate computational and statistical tools
• Prepare clear and structured reports, protocols, SOPs and other documentation, ensuring accurate data recording in electronic lab notebooks and related systems

Scientific support & collaboration:

• Critically review and advise on experimental design for projects relying on core facility technologies
• Collaborate closely with scientists at all levels to support their projects as clients of the platform
• Contribute to grant applications and to the preparation and submission of manuscripts for peer‑reviewed publications in collaboration with platform clients

The contact person is Christian JÄGER : christian.jaeger@uni.lu

Your profile

Education & background:

• PhD in biology, chemistry, biochemistry or a closely related discipline
• Strong theoretical and practical expertise in analytical chemistry, with a focus on chromatography–mass spectrometry: LC‑MS, IC‑MS, GC‑MS

Technical expertise:

• Demonstrated hands‑on experience in metabolomics, e.g. all molecules, including method development, optimisation and execution of large‑scale studies
• Experience with sample preparation from multiple biological matrices, including potentially infectious material, e.g. blood, urine, stool, tissues, cells, bacteria, yeast
• Solid experience with computational metabolomics data analysis tools and very good understanding of statistical methods for metabolomics data
• Good knowledge of metabolism and previous experience in life‑science‑related research; experience in lipidomics is a strong plus
• Experience with Compound Discoverer is an advantage
• Prior experience in proteomics is an asset but not a prerequisite

Core facility mindset & soft skills:

• Strong service orientation and motivation to work in a client‑focused core facility environment
• Excellent organisational skills, reliability and attention to detail, with a clear focus on data quality and documentation
• Ability to work both independently and within a multidisciplinary team, interacting effectively with clients from diverse scientific backgrounds
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to explain complex concepts to non‑specialists and to support clients along the full workflow

Languages:

• Excellent command in English (C1) is mandatory
• Good working knowledge in French or German (B1) is an asset

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 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: UOL08440

The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is EUR 87306 (full time).