Postdoctoral Researcher in Experimental Neurodegeneration

About this position

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

• Maintain patient-derived and isogenic-control iPSC lines and differentiate them into midbrain dopaminergic and cholinergic neuronal models; contribute to selected organoid experiments
• Plan and perform longitudinal perturbation studies targeting intracellular calcium signalling, mitochondrial calcium handling and CHCHD-family expression
• Establish and optimise pharmacological and genetic perturbations, including siRNA-mediated knockdown and plasmid- or viral-vector-mediated overexpression, together with appropriate controls and rescue experiments
• Quantify cellular and neuronal phenotypes using immunocytochemistry, Western blotting, high-content imaging, live-cell calcium imaging and, in collaboration with specialist platforms, multielectrode-array recordings
• Coordinate sample collection and quality control for single-cell RNA sequencing, proteomics and metabolomics across defined differentiation stages and experimental conditions
• Contribute to mitochondrial phenotyping, including preparation and interpretation of electron-microscopy and Seahorse extracellular-flux experiments, in close collaboration with the consortium
• Analyse, document and interpret experimental data using rigorous statistical and reproducible workflows, and integrate results with the project's bioinformatics analyses
• Coordinate experimental timelines, standard operating procedures, sample exchange and data transfer across work packages and partner institutions
• Present findings at consortium meetings and international conferences; prepare manuscripts, reports and other dissemination outputs
• Support the supervision and training of students and technical staff and contribute actively to the collaborative scientific life of the LCSB

You will work within a multidisciplinary environment together with experimental neuroscientists, bioinformaticians, mathematical modellers and software engineers. Your will lead the experimental iPSC-based work and connect it closely to the project's cellular and mitochondrial-phenotyping activities in collaboration with the group, technology platforms and collaborators at the Luxembourg Institute of Health and international partner institutions. The project will translate computationally prioritised pathways into mechanistic experiments and generate high-quality longitudinal datasets for integrated analysis.

Your profile

• PhD in neuroscience, neurobiology, cell biology, molecular biology, biomedicine, stem-cell biology or a closely related discipline
• Strong hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture; substantial experience with human iPSC culture and neuronal differentiation is highly desirable
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular and cellular perturbation approaches, such as siRNA/shRNA, plasmid transfection, viral transduction, CRISPR-based methods or pharmacological intervention
• Experience with quantitative fluorescence microscopy and image analysis; expertise in live-cell or calcium imaging would be a strong asset
• Sound knowledge of mitochondrial biology, calcium signalling or neurodegenerative disease mechanisms
• Experience in one or more complementary areas including single-cell sequencing, multiomics sample preparation, organoids, electrophysiology, Seahorse assays or electron-microscopy workflows would be advantageous
• Ability to design controlled experiments, troubleshoot complex protocols and manage longitudinal studies involving multiple cell lines and time points
• A strong publication record commensurate with career stage
• Capacity to work independently while contributing constructively to an interdisciplinary and international team
• Open-minded, critical thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Language Requirements:

The working language at the institute is English and a professional level is expected (C1).

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:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter detailing your motivation for applying to the advertised research topic and/or project, including how your background, interests, and career goals align with its objective
• PhD diploma or a letter/information indicating the expected defense date
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
• List of publications
• Contact details of at least two academic 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: Belval Campus
• Internal Title: Postdoctoral researcher
• Job Reference: UOL08425

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