Doctoral researcher in Translational Neuroscience

About us

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

The Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) at the University of Luxembourg 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.

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic PhD student for a position in the Translational Neuroscience team headed by Prof. Rejko KRÜGER.

The Translational Neuroscience team's focus lies in the identification of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for Parkinson's disease, aimed at bridging the gap between fundamental research and clinical research by embedding the "bed to bench to bedside" research approach. Fundamental research focuses on induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neuronal models to elucidate the molecular and cellular alterations contributing to neurodegeneration in familial and idiopathic forms of PD, Dementia with Lewy bodies, atypical parkinsonism, e.g. PSP or MSA, and REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD).

Newly discovered molecular targets and disease-associated cellular phenotypes are used as readouts in drug screening approaches, to identify molecules that, after in vitro and in vivo validation, could be potentially used in future intelligent clinical trials. The clinical research focus is part of the National Centre for Excellence in Research on Parkinson's Disease (NCER-PD), an initiative originally funded by the Luxembourg National Research Fund.

Your role

The PhD student will work on a project focusing on GBA1-associated Parkinson's disease. The project aims to validate small-molecule compounds that rescue disease-associated cellular phenotypes in iPSC-derived neuronal models and midbrain organoids, with the goal of developing precision therapeutic approaches for genetically stratified PD subgroups.

Key Responsibilities:

• Generation of iPSCs from patient-donated fibroblasts
• Differentiate iPSCs into midbrain dopaminergic neurons and organoids for phenotyping and compound testing
• High content imaging and automated image-analysis
• Analyze omics data
• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams of computational biologists, neuroscientists, and clinicians
• Prepare manuscripts, reports, and present findings at national and international conferences

Your profile

• Master's degree in biology, neuroscience, pharmacology, or a related field
• Strong background in experimental cellular neuroscience
• Solid experience in cell culture and molecular biology
• Hands-on experience with iPSC culture and neuronal differentiation (preferred)
• Experience with cellular phenotyping, including lysosomal and/or mitochondrial profiling (advantage)
• Programming skills in R and/or Python
• Familiarity with bioinformatic image analysis
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment

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: UOL07975

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