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.
We examine how changes to diet and exercise affect the development or prevention of obesity, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and how these clinical diseases are caused by long-term underlying changes at the molecular, cellular, and tissue-level. To this end, we have developed and use large-scale measurement technologies to quantify the molecular landscapes of cells and tissues.
Your role
The laboratory of Gene Expression & Metabolism is seeking a research support specialist for three laboratory projects.
The three projects are:
- Roughly 20 hours/week, on clinical applications of the skin microbiome. This project is currently in an early pilot proof-of-concept phase, so it is expected that the candidate be a core contributor to the technical and scientific development of this project, including writing papers and meeting with international collaborators and presenting at conferences. This project will be done equally together with a PhD student, with the project running through early 2029. The clinical studies relate to how the skin microbiome develops after birth and changes over time - together with the CHL hospital in Luxembourg City - and how changes in the skin microbiome influence the skin's production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are associated with the skin's health. Minor sub-clinical skin health concerns (e.g. acne) will be pursued with participants in Luxembourg, while major skin health concerns related to the microbiome, e.g. mosquito and sand fly attraction and associated vector-borne disease, will be pursued for patients in collaboration with the Institut Pasteur in Tunis.
- Roughly 12 hours/week, on yeast genetics, requires basic cell culturing experience and sterile technique. Additional requirements are for standard benchtop experience in DNA, RNA, and protein extraction and purification techniques, including associated skills for quantification and quality control, e.g. Bradford assays, qPCR, gels. In vitro experience is necessary, with candidates who have prior experience growing yeast being favored. The pilot phase of this project has been recently completed (summer 2026), so the remainder of this project (through summer 2028) will focus on scaling up the pilot to high-throughput using robotics and/or high-throughput sample preparation techniques; e.g. adapting low-throughput protocols to use multichannel pipettes and 96+ well plates. For this project, the candidate will be initially supervised by the scientific team leading this project, but the candidate is expected to work independently after the initial 3-4 month period.
- Roughly 8/hours week, standard laboratory maintenance and technician-level work, e.g. laboratory stock and safety, cleaning, laboratory notebook management.
In brief, the applicant should be from a biology or bioengineering background. The project will be roughly 66% wetlab biology work, and 33% bioinformatics/data analyst work. Regarding time, roughly 50% will be for novel scientific development, 30% for standardization and high-throughput scaling of recently-developed methods, and 20% routine laboratory management tasks.
For further information, please contact Assoc. Prof. Evan Williams:
Your profile
- The candidate must have a master's degree or equivalent in a biology: with experience in microbiome and with cell lines - ideally, but not necessarily, including yeast cells
- A background in wetlab biology is necessary, although bioinformatics experience is also considered as an asset
- The candidate must have experience in extracting, quantifying, and performing basic quality checks on DNA, transcripts, and proteins. Further experience in omics analysis of such data is ideal
- Previous experience with clinical patient samples or human-related environmental samples
- Experience with human cohort management, e.g. designing and distributing questionnaires, experience with contacting and organizing home or clinic visits
- Any experience in programming and statistics, ideally in R, is a significant bonus, but it is not strictly necessary
- Excellent command in English (C1) is required. Good working knowledge (B1) in French is a bonus, but the laboratory work is entirely in English
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
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: Research and development specialist
- Job Reference: UOL08441
