Laboratory Technician position in Physics of Living Matter (Biophysics & Biomaterials)

Within Luxembourg, innovative research in the area of Biophysics is carried out at the Physics of Living Matter Group embedded within the University of Luxembourg’s Department of Physics and Materials Science (DPHYMS). Close synergies with the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), the Department of Life Sciences and Medicine (DLSM), Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), the Luxembourg National Health Laboratory (LNS), and the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) make Luxembourg a thriving hub for cutting edge cross-disciplinary research in the physics of living matter.

Area: The applicant will be a member of the Physics of Living Matter Group headed by Prof. Dr. Anupam Sengupta, at the Department of Physics and Materials Science. The deliverables of this position fall partly in the frame of a market-oriented innovative proof-of-concept biotechnology research project, funded by the Luxembourg National Research Funds (FNR-JUMP) starting from 01.01.2023. In addition, the selected applicant will be responsible for the management and maintenance of the Group’s laboratories (Biosafety level-1 and level-2 labs). The Group’s research focuses on uncovering the physiological and behavioural response of microorganisms (at the level of single cells, populations and communities) under changing environments, in the context of climatic shifts, human health and medical diagnostics. A second central topic of the lab is to harness the fundamental discoveries in biophysics and biomaterials toward innovations, specifically in the next generation of renewable, bio-compatible and sustainable products, bioremediation techniques and biotechnological tools. The Group develops advanced imaging methods, high throughput analyses tools, and regularly uses state-of-the-art microbiological and molecular techniques including metabolomics and genomics to address related research questions. The model cell lines including bacteria, cyanobacteria, phytoplankton (algae) and relevant microbial communities, and organoids are studied under ecologically- or medically-relevant settings using a combination of microfluidics, automation, and micro-/milli- fabrication techniques. An overview of the research activities can be found here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0ibLGXBuoA

https://wwwen.uni.lu/research/fstm/dphyms/research/physics_of_living_matter

Your Role...

You are a skilled, motivated laboratory technician who will be responsible for supporting cross-disciplinary laboratories within the Physics of Living Matter Group, working in the broad area of biophysics and biomaterials. Key domains of interest include microbial biophysics, micro- and molecular biology, biochemistry, organoids, flow cytometry and quantitative imagining. Selected applicant will be experienced in cell culturing and handling, biotechnology, basic analytical tools and techniques, and will be responsible for maintaining the laboratory logistics, and supporting on-boarding/training of new team members in microbiological tools and techniques. In addition, the laboratory technician will be in-charge of laboratory safety, and basic maintenance, procurement and archiving of equipment and consumables.

More specifically your tasks will include:

• Actively contribute to the research and innovation of the FNR-JUMP project, through laboratory testing, up-scaling and product ideation and development
• Manage project related ordering, document archiving, maintenance and budgeting
• Maintain microbial and other relevant cell lines
• Follow, comply and implement safety regulations/legislations
• Train and support the PI with on-boarding of new members in the Group
• Supervise laboratory cleaning, and ensure contamination-free biological environments
• Actively participate in the group meetings; and relevant technical and business meetings
• Interface collaboratively among different disciplines within the lab, e.g. materials, microbiology, imaging, cytometry and fabrication
• Support with basic data management and documentation

What we expect from you…

• An amiable person with a technical, Bachelor or Master degree in microbiology, biotechnology, molecular or chemical biology, genetics, or another similar life sciences related discipline
• Previous professional experience as biological laboratory technician; OR demonstrated experience (at least 5 years) in independently handling and manipulating bacterial and algal cell lines in academic or industrial research settings
• Expertise in maintenance of microbial cell lines (bacteria, algae, cyanobacteria) and/or basic human cell lines and/or organoids is desired
• Excellent organizational and management skills, highly reliable & precise work style
• Attention to details, especially accurate protocoling, data entry and sample handling
• Ability to work independently in phases of potentially little guidance from supervisor
• Basic computer skills to ensure electronic record keeping and generation of work summaries, e.g., documenting quality and quantity results from different protocols
• Knowledge of basic statistics, IT and HTML competence will be an asset
• Fluency in verbal and written English, and overall strong communication skills are required. Knowledge of French and German or Luxembourgish will be a plus

We offer...

• A key role in cutting-edge research projects related to impact of climate and lifestyle changes on microorganisms and human health/diseases
• Opportunity to work in an exciting international, interdisciplinary research environment
• Opportunity to participate in the development of the group’s research and development
• Highly competitive salaries
• Opportunity for professional trainings

In Short...

• Contract Type: Contrat à durée déterminée 12 Mois (renewable up to 24 months)
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Heures par Semaine
• Internal Title: Research support technician
• Job Reference: UOL05383

How to apply...

Your application (in English) should contain the following documents:

• A detailed curriculum vitae
• A motivation letter that includes a brief description of work experience and short justification of how you fit the job profile (highlight contributions to research projects; and key experimental/laboratory skills)
• Copies of relevant diplomas or publications (English translations, wherever appropriate)
• Contact details of at least two references willing to send a letter of recommendation

All documents should be uploaded in pdf format. Evaluations will commence immediately, till appropriate candidate is selected. Early submission is encouraged. Applications will be processed upon arrival. Applications sent by e-mail will not be considered, though candidates can check the status of their application via email.

Selection process:

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview in Luxembourg or interviewed remotely by phone or other audio-visual modes. Positions will remain open until filled. Please apply ONLINE.

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.

In return you will get…

• 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 …
• Find out more about the University
• Addresses, maps & routes to the various sites of the University

Further information...

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.

For further information, please contact Prof. Anupam Sengupta (anupam.sengupta@uni.lu) or visit the research page for further information on the project and its scope.