Doctoral researcher - In Vitro Modeling of Neurodegeneration

Location: Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg

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About us

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

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 Biology and 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.

Your role

This PhD project focuses on understanding how altered stress granule dynamics and biomolecular condensates contribute to PD co-pathologies in human midbrain assembloid models. The work combines advanced imaging, molecular biology, and functional disease modeling.

Key responsibilities:

• Differentiation and characterization of iPSC-derived midbrain assembloids
• Analysis of stress granules and membraneless organelles using imaging
• Application of stress paradigms and assessment of pathological protein aggregation
• Quantification of α-synuclein pathology
• Participation in single-cell RNA-seq and proteomic experiments
• Data analysis, figure preparation, and manuscript drafting
• Presentation of results at conferences and consortium meetings

Your profile

Required qualifications:

• Master's degree in life sciences, neuroscience, or related discipline
• Strong motivation for experimental biomedical research
• Experience in cell culture and molecular biology
• Programming or data analysis skills such as R, Python, or similar

Desirable skills:

• Interest in neurodegeneration, RNA biology, or phase separation
• Experience with microscopy and image analysis
• Curiosity for interdisciplinary and multi-omics approaches

Language Requirements:

Applicants must demonstrate at least B2-level proficiency in the language of their thesis. For details and accepted certificates, please visit the Application for admission - Doctoral Candidates.

We offer

• 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 …

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter presenting your motivation for this doctoral thesis topic, and explaining how your qualifications and aspirations align with its academic focus
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Belval Campus
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL07999

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 41976 (full time).