Postdoctoral Researcher position in Cancer Microbiome

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.

The Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) contributes multidisciplinary expertise in the fields of Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences and Medicine. Through its dual mission of teaching and research, the FSTM seeks to generate and disseminate knowledge and train new generations of responsible citizens, in order to better understand, explain and advance society and environment we live in.

Within Luxembourg, innovative research in the area of cancer is carried out at the University of Luxembourg’s Department of Life Sciences and Medicine (DLSM). Close synergies with the Physics and Materials Science Research Unit (PHYMS-RU), the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) and the Luxembourg National Health Laboratory (LNS) make Luxembourg a thriving hub for cutting edge cross-disciplinary research in the physics of living systems.

The Postdoctoral project investigates important aspects of colorectal cancer research: the microbiome, their secreted oncometabolites and the tumor ecosystem including its biophysics properties, with an overarching goal to understand how microbes influence cancer phenotype, shape its microenvironment and vice versa. The project will be funded by the prestigious Audacity Grant, awarded recently by the Institute of Advanced Studies, U. Luxembourg. The selected scientist will conduct her/his research in the Molecular Disease Mechanisms (MDM) Group headed by Dr. Elisabeth Letellier at the Department of Life Sciences and Medicine in close collaboration with Prof. Anupam Sengupta, head of the Physics of Living Matter Group (DPHYMS). Beyond research, the candidate will enjoy ample training opportunities in technical and transferable skills, support for career development, and opportunities to teach a highly diverse international student community of the University.

An overview of the scope of the project can be found here: https://wwwen.uni.lu/ias/running_audacity_projects/cameos

During the research period, the postdoctoral scientist will carry out experiments and simulations, and extend the current theory of oncometabolites, specifically in the context of microbiome and cancer cells/environment. A central focus will be put on the role of cancer-associated bacteria and their secreted metabolites on emergent properties of the tumor microenvironment.

• Outstanding and highly motivated candidate
• PhD degree in a field related to the topic of the program (i.e. Cell or Molecular Biology)
• Demonstrated ability and desire to multi-task across different disciplines as this project is highly interdisciplinary in nature
• Experimental and theoretical background in experimental cancer and microbiome research as well as an interest to learn more about experimental biophysics is essential
• Experience/knowledge with organoids, on-chip organs and microbiome-based methods as well as quantitative imaging and analysis will be given preference.
• Fluency in English is mandatory
• Willingness to work in an inter-cultural and international environment, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team

We offer...

• A dynamic and well-equipped research environment with competitive salaries
• Intensive training in scientific and transferable skills, participation in schools, conferences and workshops

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 24 Month with possibility for extension
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Belval
• Starting date: earliest, September 2022
• Job Reference: UOL05059

The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is EUR 77.167,08 (full time)

Before proceeding with the submission of your application, please prepare the following documents in English

• Curriculum vitae
• Motivation letter justifying your interest in the research project
• Publication list highlighting interdisciplinary elements
• Contact details of two persons willing to send a letter of recommendation
• Copies of diplomas, transcripts with grades, with English translation

All documents should be uploaded in pdf format. Evaluations will commence immediately, till appropriate candidate is selected.

Please apply ONLINE 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 …