PhD in Biophysics of Host-Pathogen Interactions

The PhD position is embedded within the MICRO-PATH Doctoral Training Programme, funded by the Luxembourg National Research Fund. MICRO-PATH, or Pathogenesis in the Age of the Microbiome (https://micro-path.uni.lu), is a highly competitive, interdisciplinary, research-intensive PhD training programme, supported by the PRIDE funding scheme of the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) and the programme's partner institutions: University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg Institute of Health, and Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology.

The human microbiome has been implicated in the initiation and progression of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Within MICRO-PATH, the Physics of Living Matter Group at the DPHYMS (https://sites.google.com/site/anupamsengupta/home) has an immediate opening for a highly motivated and talented doctoral candidate to work on the biophysics of host-pathogen interactions using in vitro model systems mimicking chronic diseases.

The PhD project interfaces two rich fields of research: Physics of Living Matter and Physics of Complex Systems, with an overarching goal to understand the host-microbe dynamics in the context of chronic diseases like the Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or IBD. The selected PhD student will conduct their research in the Physics of Living Matter Group.

The doctoral candidate will perform wet lab experiments as well as computational analysis to uncover biophysical principles that regulate host-pathogen interactions and feedback, using a combination of quantitative imaging, microfluidics, statistical analysis and machine learning tools.

Early-stage researcher: a researcher without a PhD, who is in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research career. We are seeking a motivated candidate who is a Bachelors and Masters degree holder in the field of physics, engineering, biology, or related domains. Candidates with background in biomaterials, soft matter physics, biophysics or active matter physics will be given preference. Experience or knowledge in quantitative imaging and image analysis (MATLAB or Python), machine learning techniques, and basic programming/coding will be a plus. Fluency in English is mandatory.

We offer a multilingual and international character. A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market.

Applications should include: Cover letter, detailed curriculum vitae, copy of relevant diplomas, list of publications, and name and addresses of at least two referees. Early application is highly encouraged.

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month. Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week. Location: Limpertsberg Campus. The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 41976 (full time).