Researcher in Microbiology

Contract Type:

Duration:

About the LCSB

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

Pathogenesis in the age of the microbiome (MICRO-PATH; https://micro-path.uni.lu) is a highly competitive, interdisciplinary, research-intensive PhD training programme, supported by the PRIDE funding scheme of the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) and the programme’s partner institutions: University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg Institute of Health, and Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology. MICRO-PATH addresses research questions based on causal and mechanistic studies of microbiome-mediated pathogenesis.

The vision of the MICRO-PATH doctoral training unit is to tackle these challenges in a focused way and to lay the foundation for establishing the microbiome as a therapeutic and preventative target in the future. The programme includes transferable skills training, support in career development, lectures and teaching by international experts as well as annual PhD symposia.

The human microbiome has been implicated in the initiation and progression of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. In these disease contexts, microbiome-derived molecules, such as amyloidogenic proteins including the bacterial protein curli, have been implicated in triggering and exacerbating disease processes. Within MICRO-PATH, the Systems Ecology group at the LCSB has an immediate opening for a highly motivated and talented doctoral candidate to work on the resolution of microbiome-derived proteins as seeds for protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases.

This project aims to achieve:

• Advanced annotations of microbiome-borne amyloidogenic proteins
• Mechanistic insights into cross-seeding between microbiome-borne amyloidogenic proteins and human proteins implicated in neurodegenerative disea

Your responsibilities:

The doctoral candidate will perform computational analysis of a combination of multi-omics data from the gut microbiomes of patients with Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease. The candidate will use state-of-the-art in silico protein structure prediction methods and in vitro screening approaches will be used to systematically elucidate the amyloidogenic potential of the gut metaproteome. Specifically, gene-catalogues and genome collections, along with internal omics data, will be analyzed using advanced AI-based protein structure prediction tools to identify aggregation-prone regions in proteins and to develop a novel method for predicting amyloidogenic potential. Differentially abundant proteins from various omics datasets will then be identified and used to pinpoint key proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. The most promising candidates will be assessed using advanced docking and dynamics simulation techniques, providing insights into their potential interactions. To further substantiate the amyloidogenic potential of these candidates, in vitro protein aggregation assays will be performed.

Your profile

Early-stage researcher: a researcher without a PhD, who is in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of research career, measured from the date when the degree was obtained, which would formally entitle the person to embark on a doctorate. Graduation in the field of bioinformatics, biology, or related fields – M.Sc. is required.

Key qualifications and qualities include:

• Experience in bioinformatics/computational biology; experience in protein structure prediction is considered an important asset
• Well-structured and autonomous working style, good organizational and communication skills
• Fluency in written and spoken English. German and/or French is a plus
• Team player

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 (in English) should include:

• Curriculum Vitae, indicating your motivation for this position, relevant past experience and future interests
• Cover letter
• A copy of the relevant diplomas showing marks
• List of publications, if applicable
• Name and addresses of two referees

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: Campus Belval
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL07468

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 41976 (full time).