University of Luxembourg Post-doctoral researcher (Research Associate on project)

The University of Luxembourg is a multilingual, international research University.

The Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB) of the University of Luxembourg is a highly dynamic, multilingual and international working environment at campus Belval. The Molecular and Functional Neurobiology Group led by Assoc. Prof. Anne Grünewald combines iPSC and single-cell technologies to explore the cellular mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s disease. The Clinical & Experimental Neuroscience Group, led by Prof Rejko Krueger, creates a translational bridge between fundamental Parkinson’s disease research and the clinic so that prevention, diagnosis and therapy may help patients in Luxembourg and beyond.

The University of Luxembourg is currently looking for an energetic, highly motivated post-doctoral researcher for a collaborative fundamental biology research project in Parkinson’s Disease.

Post-doctoral researcher (Research Associate on project) (m/f)

• fixed-term contract 2 years
• full-time position (40 hrs/week)
• Employee status
• P4-140028

Mission

The RA is assigned to a binational research collaboration on mitochondrial risk factors in Parkinson’s disease (MiRisk-PD). The aim of this project is to gain essential knowledge with respect to the contribution of genetic variability of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins to the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) via (i) elucidation of rare genetic risk variants, (ii) identification of mitochondrial phenotypes that contribute to PD pathogenesis and (iii) analysis of their potential suitability as novel therapeutic targets.

The RA will generate patient-based cellular models for the functional characterization of mitochondrial phenotypes in iPSC-derived neurons related to PD pathogenesis. The outcome of this project will be the identification of PD-related mitochondrial risk variants that act in common pathways and their validation as potential targets for future therapeutic approaches, leading to tailored stratified therapies.

Your Role

• conduct research process from conception to implementation
• develop methodologies and integrate new technologies
• collect, assemble and evaluate research data
• analyses and interpretation of results obtained
• drafting and editing of preliminary research reports
• prepare and submit scientific documents for peer review for publication independently or in collaboration with other researchers
• perform advanced molecular and cellular biological experiments such as cloning, gene-editing (CrisPR), qPCR
• generation of viral expression constructs and transduction of patient based cellular models
• perform various biochemical assays and protein purifications
• generate and differentiate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) into different CNS-related cell types including 3D cultures (organoids)
• development and application of functional readouts for different mitochondrial and neuronal phenotypes
• presenting the results at scientific meetings as posters or talks
• writing scientific publications and grant applications

Your Profile

• Ph.D. in Cellular Biology, Neuroscience, or related discipline
• strong interest in interdisciplinary research and cellular models of neurodegeneration
• track record in research and laboratory work as documented by publications in internationally acknowledged journals
• profound knowledge of molecular genetics, biochemistry and cell biology
• expertise with inducible pluripotent stem cell models for 2D and 3D cultures
• previous experience with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing desirable
• excellent communication, team-working and interpersonal skills
• previous experience as supervisor of students
• enthusiasm and great commitment to research
• excellent command of the English language

The offer

• fully funded position with the possibility of renewal for up to a total of 5 years depending on performance and availability of funding
• exciting international research environment
• travel opportunities to national and international meetings as well as participation in specialized trainings
• an excellent international network in the area of neurodegenerative research
• the University of Luxembourg offers competitive salaries and is an equal opportunity employer

Further Information

Please upload your application in English including the following documents:

• curriculum vitae
• motivation letter
• copy of diploma
• short description of past working experience and future interests

Deadline for applications: 17 May 2019

The University of Luxembourg is an equal opportunity employer. Application will be handled strictly confidential.