In Vivo Research Specialist

The 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.

Within the University, the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB) is a highly interdisciplinary research centre (IC), integrating experimental biology and computational biology approaches in order to develop the foundation of a future predictive, preventive and personalized medicine.

As part of a collaboration between the Systems Ecology group and the Neuropathology unit (Luxembourg Centre for Neuropathology), the University of Luxembourg has this vacancy at the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine: In Vivo Research Specialist.

We are recruiting a Research Specialist for studying, using in vivo models, the role of intestinal archaea in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease. The selected candidate will conduct extensive in vivo pharmacological studies, many of them in germ-free mice, and follow-up with neurobehavioral and neuropathological analysis of their brains, and characterisation of their microbiome. The candidate will be affiliated with the LCSB, and work under the guidance of Drs. Manuel Buttini and Paul Wilmes. The LCSB strives to combine experimental biology approaches with computational methods to better understand cellular functions and gene regulation in neurodegenerative diseases. The project is aimed at combining hands-on in vivo studies with microbiome analyses and with neurological and pathological phenotyping of disease progression in the brain.

• Administer compounds p.o., i.p., s.c to laboratory mice, and monitor their well-being
• Collect blood and other biological fluids from laboratory mice
• Manage a germ-free mouse colony
• Perform neuropathological, neurobehavioral assays
• Document, analyse, and interpret the data
• Actively work with collaborators to integrate the obtained results
• Write up manuscript drafts, and present the data at conferences

• MSc in Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Neuropharmacology
• FELASA A or B certification or equivalent, and several years of experience in experimental work with lab rodents, in particular in germ-free environment
• Experience in blood collecting from live mice
• Experience with stereotactic surgery on mice a plus
• Experience with neuroanatomy, immunostaining, microscopy
• Strong interest and some background in microbiome studies
• Excellent working knowledge of English is required
• Publication record appropriate with level of experience a plus
• The candidate will be integrated into a collaborative environment and needs to have strong communication skills

We Offer...

• Fully funded position
• Attractive salary compensation
• An exciting international and interdisciplinary research environment
• State-of-the-art lab equipment and analysis tools in neurobiology and mouse models of neurological disease
• Travel opportunities to visit workshops, scientific conferences, and collaborators

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 12 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Belval
• Internal Title: Research and development specialist
• Job Reference: UOL05410

Applications should be submitted online and include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter mentioning the reference number, and short description of previous research experience
• Transcript of diplomas
• Names and contact information from two-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.

• 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 …

For further information, please contact Drs Paul Wilmes ([email protected] ) or Manuel Buttini ([email protected] ).