Postdoc in Alzheimer's disease and protein aggregation research

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 on the computer. 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. 

Successful candidates willjoin the Neuroinflammation group, led by Prof. Michael Heneka, which aims at understanding molecular mechanisms of inflammatory regulation in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, using novel preclinical mouse models and state-of-the-art techniqueslike two-photon imaging, transcriptome analysis and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), to develop new biomarkers and medical intervention programs.

Your Role...

• Study Abeta aggregation in vitro and in vivo
• Study the effect of various molecular and chemical changes on protein structure and in cellular models
• Closely interact with the post-doc and PI in molecular modelling and test their predictions in an experimental set-up 

The open position in part of the “Inflammation and Amyloid from Atoms to Tissue” (AMINF) project, funded by the Institute of Advanced Studies of the University of Luxembourg. This project brings is co-led by Dr Josh Berryman from the Physics Department and Prof. Michael Heneka at the LCSB. It combines theoretical physics modelling approaches of atomic and molecular structures with experimental testing of the modelling predictions, aimed at elucidating the mechanisms underlying amyloid aggregation and inflammatory triggers in amyloid diseases. 

What we expect from you…

• PhD in neurobiology, biophysics, neuroimmunology or related scientific/technical discipline
• Biochemistry skills and experience with protein aggregation assays
• Previous experience in working with Alzheimer’s disease models is considered a plus
• Experience with generating iPSCs, with primary cell culture as well as with neuronal and microglia cultures.
• Advanced microscopy skills
• Experience with interdisciplinary projects and collaborations is considered a plus
• A successful candidate should be willing to take initiative, leadership and responsibility for this project
• Further career development by writing own grants will be strongly supported

Here’s what awaits you at the LCSB...

• Excellent work environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure, laboratory and administrative support
• Truly connected. We work together with hospitals and research institutes on a national and international level as well as industrial partners. Connection between science and society is very important to us. From our school lab – the Scienteens Lab – to the different outreach activities and collaborative partnerships with patient associations, we love to listen to society’s needs and share our passion for science
• Be part of a multicultural team. At the LCSB we have more than 50 nationalities. Throughout the year, we organise team-building events, networking activities and more

Find out more about us!

In Short...

• Contract Type: Contrat à durée déterminée 24 Mois
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Heures par Semaine
• Location: Belval
• Job Reference: UOL05613

The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is EUR 79095 full time

How to apply...

Applications should be submitted online and include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

About the University of Luxembourg...

University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. The University was founded in 2003 and counts more than 6,700 students and more than 2,000 employees from around the world. The University’s faculties and interdisciplinary centres focus on research in the areas of Computer Science and ICT Security, Materials Science, European and International Law, Finance and Financial Innovation, Education, Contemporary and Digital History. In addition, the University focuses on cross-disciplinary research in the areas of Data Modelling and Simulation as well as Health and System Biomedicine. Times Higher Education ranks the University of Luxembourg #3 worldwide for its “international outlook,” #20 in the Young University Ranking 2021 and among the top 250 universities worldwide.

For further information...

Please contact Michael Heneka (michael.heneka@uni.lu). Use the job title and reference number mentioned above in the subject line of your email.