Postdoctoral researcher focusing on the role of molecules from the human microbiome in chronic diseases

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.

The University of Luxembourg has the following vacancy: Postdoctoral researcher focusing on the role of molecules from the human microbiome in chronic diseases.

AREA: Multi-omic analyses of extracellular molecules from the gut microbiome.

DESCRIPTION:

The Systems Ecology group at the LCSB is further expanding its research efforts on microbiomes and has an immediate opening for a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher (entry- to advanced-level position) to work on the generation as well as on the analysis of microbiome multi-omic data (metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metaproteomics and metametabolomics) in the context of the ERC-funded ExpoBiome project.

The human gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem which contributes essential functions to human physiology. Changes to the microbiome are associated with several chronic diseases characterised by inflammatory signatures including autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases. The gut microbiome produces a complex mixture of biomolecules comprised of soluble nucleic acids, (poly-)peptides and metabolites with bioactive properties, which have so far eluded in-depth study (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2022.08.015, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2022.08.016). This gap in knowledge is limiting our understanding of the role of the human microbiome in governing human physiology and how changes to the gut microbiome impact inflammation-linked chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). As part of the ERC-funded ExpoBiome project, a quantitative integrated multi-omic analysis (metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metaproteomics and metabolomics) will be performed on gut microbiome samples collected from healthy human individuals and patients newly diagnosed with RA or PD. Using the cross-sectional data, extracellular microbial molecules will be identified, which are particularly enriched in, depleted in or common to the respective diseases, and traced to their respective microbial populations of origin. The resulting molecular signatures will be used to populate a dedicated Knowledge Base and to develop microbiome-based diagnostic classifiers and models for RA and PD.

Your Role...

Your Role...

You will define and track the gut microbiome-derived molecular complex in the context of two chronic diseases (PD and RA), compared to healthy individuals, and relate this information to the immunophenotypes of the individuals over time. This will involve contributing to wet-lab activities to resolve bioactive molecules as well as contributing to dry-lab activities to develop microbiome-based diagnostic classifiers for RA and PD, as well as modelling the secretome over time based on longitudinal samples. You will contribute to populating the ExpoBiome Knowledge Base (http://expobiome.lcsb.uni.lu). You will furthermore support data management and analysis on servers of the group as well as the University of Luxembourg’s High Performance Computing Cluster. You will support supervision activities in the lab, with a focus on PhD students working on the ExpoBiome project.

Important technical competencies and tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Implementation of reproducible computational workflows (using snakemake, nextflow, etc.)
• Collaborative code development using Git and GitHub/GitLab
• Development and optimization of standard operating procedures for the preservation and processing of biomedical samples including blood, plasma, and stool
• End-to-end processing (QC, preprocessing, processing, data analysis) of at least one of the following data types: metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metaproteomics, metametabolomics, is considered an asset
• Familiarity with UNIX/LINUX-based operating systems and shared compute infrastructure
• Integration and analysis of genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data

What we expect from you…

• A PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Analytical Chemistry, Microbial Ecology, or related disciplines
• Wet-laboratory and dry-laboratory experience
• Previous experience in bioinformatic analysis of mixed microbial communities or Systems Biology datasets in at least one computer programming or scripting language (Python, R, Ruby, etc.) will be considered important assets
• A good working knowledge of basic statistical concepts
• Team player
• Highly reliable and precise work style
• Great organizational skills and willingness to work independently in phases of potentially little guidance from supervisor
• Prior supervision activities, e.g., undergraduate or graduate students, will be considered an asset
• Excellent working knowledge of English

Here’s what awaits you at the LCSB...

• Excellent work environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure, laboratory and administrative support
• Truly connected. We work together with hospitals and research institutes on a national and international level as well as industrial partners. Connection between science and society is very important to us. From our school lab – the Scienteens Lab – to the different outreach activities and collaborative partnerships with patient associations, we love to listen to society’s needs and share our passion for science
• Be part of a multicultural team. At the LCSB we have more than 50 nationalities. Throughout the year, we organise team-building events, networking activities and more

Find out more about us!

In Short...

• Contract type: Contrat à durée déterminée 24 Mois (may be extended up to 5 years)
• Work hours: Full Time 40.0 Heures par Semaine
• Location: Belval
• Job reference: UOL05740

The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is EUR 81072 full time

How to apply...

Applications should be submitted online and include:

• A detailed curriculum vitae
• List of publications, if applicable
• Cover letter indicating your motivation for this position, relevant past experience and future interests
• Name and addresses of two referees

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply 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.

About the University of Luxembourg...

University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. The University was founded in 2003 and has 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.

For further information, please contact:
Prof. Paul Wilmes
E-mail: paul.wilmes@uni.lu
Telephone: (+352) 46 66 44 6188