Laboratory technician for the Study of Alzheimer's Disease Candidate Genes in Zebrafish Models

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.

For a project on the experimental characterization of regulatory genes with a potential involvement in Alzheimer's disease (AD), we are recruiting a skilled and motivated laboratory technician to carry out phenotypic and molecular analyses of candidate AD genes in a zebrafish model of AD. The genes have been derived from previous single-cell analyses of an AD mouse model and will be targeted to investigate inhibition and activation effects using small molecule compounds and knockdown and over-expression experiments performed in zebrafish embryos. The project will be implemented as a collaboration between the Biomedical Data Science (BDS) group and the Aquatic Platform at the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB) of the University of Luxembourg.

The technician will be affiliated with the BDS group of Prof. Enrico Glaab and will be co-supervised by Dr. Maria Lorena Cordero Maldonado, the manager of the Aquatic Platform. The technician will work closely with both groups to characterize candidate Alzheimer genes in an interdisciplinary fashion, using combined phenotypic and molecular studies and computational modeling analyses.

More specifically the tasks include:

• Performance of experiments using zebrafish embryos/larvae, g., microinjections, behavioral tests, in vivo brightfield and fluorescent microscopy, phenotypic small-molecule compound screens, among others
• Performance of molecular biology experiments, such as cloning and gene expression analysis by qPCR, gene overexpression by Tol2 transposon system
• Performance of protein extraction and Western blots
• Perform supporting tasks for the maintenance and breeding of zebrafish according to guidelines and instructions
• Modern data management and precise project documentation
• Contribute to the computational analysis of the experimental data
• Capacity to work in a collaborative environment to integrate the obtained results
• Maintenance of a clean laboratory setting
• Participation in group meetings and monthly technical meetings
• Follow and comply with safety regulations and legislation

• A technical, Bachelor or Master’s degree in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, systems biology, or a related discipline
• Experience in experimental laboratory work and molecular biology techniques (e.g. cloning, PCR) is essential
• Experience with working with animals is preferred (animal laboratory science certificate Function A according to the European Directive 2010/63/EU)
• Strong interest in bioinformatics analyses will be an advantage
• Excellent working knowledge of English is required
• Excellent organization skills, data management and precise project documentation
• The candidate will be integrated into a collaborative environment and needs to have excellent communication skills

We offer...

• Fully funded position
• An exciting international and interdisciplinary research environment
• Modern and well-equipped laboratories
• Training in state-of-the-art methods and analysis tools in functional genomics
• The University offers highly competitive salaries and is an equal opportunity employer

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 12 Month
• Start date: As soon as possible
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Belval
• Internal Title: Research support technician
• Job Reference: UOL05243

Applications should be written in English and contain the following documents: 

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter mentioning the motivation to apply and including a brief description of past research experience and future interests
• Transcript of grades from all university-level courses taken
• A scan of your animal laboratory science certificate (Function A required)
• Names and contact information from 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 …