Postdoctoral researcher on cellular Alzheimer Disease models

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 Biologyand 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 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 techniques like two-photon imaging, transcriptome analysis and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), to develop new biomarkers and medical intervention programs. For more information, please visit our website. 

Your Role...

The open position is part of the recently received a PEARL grant from the Fonds National de la Recherche in Luxembourg to study the role of microglia and tunneling nanotubes networks connecting microglia to neurons in Alzheimer’s disease.

The MINIALZ PEARL project aims to study the interaction of immune cells and neurons in the brain and to identify molecular mechanisms that can be harnessed for developing preventive, disease-modifying or acute therapeutic measures. MINIALZ will further identify early immune function and biomarker traits, in order to support diagnosis prior to clinical appearance. MINIALZ will be based on a new mechanism recently identified by the applicant’s group, by which microglia form a tunnelling nanotube network (TNTs) with neighboring neurons in order to free the latter from pathological proteins and ensure their function and survival. Preliminary data suggest that such microglia-neuron TNTs may contribute to neuronal survival in models of neurodegeneration and the involved mechanisms are defective in microglia carrying disease-associated AD risk mutations.

• You will study the role and formation of TNTs in iPSC derived neurons and microglia and will further elucidate the underlying mechanisms by generating and studying lines with various mutations identified in previous GWAS studies
• You will be closely collaborating with the other post-docs, PhD students and technicians involved in this large project

What we expect from you…

• PhD in neurobiology, biophysics, neuroimmunology or related scientific/technical discipline
• Experience with generating iPSCs, with primary cell culture as well as with neuronal and microglia cultures.
• Advanced microscopy skills
• Previous experience in working with Alzheimer’s disease models is considered a plus
• Standard molecular biology techniques
• Highly reliable and precise working style
• 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
• Communication in English is essential, both written and spoken

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 12 Mois
• Work hours: Full Time 40.0 Heures par Semaine
• Location: Belval
• Job reference: UOL05633

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.

In return you will get…

• 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 …
• Find out more about the University
• Addresses, maps & routes to the various sites of the University

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 andICT 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.

Further information

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.