Postdoctoral Position for Metabolomics Research in Mitochondrial Disorders

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.

Successful candidates will join the Enzymology & Metabolism group, led by Prof. Carole Linster, which deciphers the cellular metabolism in rare and more common neurodegenerative or neurometabolic diseases. We exploit genomic and post-genomic data to fill gaps in metabolic networks, discover new enzyme functions, and elucidate their role in disease. The successful candidate will work in strong collaboration with the Environmental Cheminformatics group, led by Prof. Emma Schymanski, which develops methods to identify unknown chemicals and determine their effects on human health. The open position is part of the EJP RD project GENOMIT, funded by the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR), within an international consortium that focuses on establishing an integrated multi-omics pipeline to increase the diagnostic yield for mitochondrial disorders. The project is coordinated by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and involves partners from 5 other countries. The Luxembourg partner will mainly be involved in the identification of biomarkers for mitochondrial disorders and functional studies on novel variants or genes involved in the pathophysiology of mitochondrial disorders.

Your Role...

• Perform targeted and untargeted (mostly liquid chromatography) mass spectrometry-based metabolomics analyses in samples of patients with mitochondrial disorders
• Chemical identification of relevant unknown peaks detected in samples of patients with mitochondrial disorders using cheminformatics approaches and final validation using targeted methods
• Perform metabolic enzyme assays and metabolomics-based functional studies in human cell and yeast models of mitochondrial disorders
• Use modern data management and establish precise project documentation
• Work in a collaborative environment, also with different service-based core platforms (sequencing, metabolomics, and imaging facilities)
• Active participation in project consortium meetings
• Independent drafting of project reports and potentially grant proposals
• Writing manuscripts for publication in high-quality journals
• Presentation of research findings at international scientific meetings

What we expect from you…

• PhD degree in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, or another similar life science-related discipline
• Extensive analytical experience in target and non-target high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS/MS), preferably in a metabolomics setting
• Strong background in metabolic biochemistry and keen interest in mitochondrial biology
• Strong computational skills, including programming, will be considered as an important asset
• Solid bioinformatic and biostatistics skills will be required
• Excellent organizational and management skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Fluency in oral and written English is essential

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: Fixed Term Contract 24 Month
• Work hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Belval
• Job reference: UOL05702

The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is EUR 81072 (full time)

How to apply...

Applications (in English) should contain the following documents:

• A detailed Curriculum vitae including a list of publications
• A cover letter that includes a brief description of previous research experience and the motivation for the specific advertised position
• Copies of diploma and transcripts
• Name and contact details of at least three referees

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 has 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 Assoc. Prof. Carole Linster (email address: carole.linster@uni.lu). Use the job title and reference number mentioned above in the subject line of your email.