Postdoctoral researcher in Neuroimmunology

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 focuses among others 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.

Within the University, the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB) is a highly interdisciplinary research centre (IC), integrating experimental biology and computational biology approaches in order to develop the foundation of a future predictive, preventive and personalized medicine.

The University of Luxembourg has the following vacancy at the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB) - Neuroimmunology group: Postdoctoral researcher in Neuroimmunology.

AREA: Role of microglia and tunneling nanotube networks in zebrafish models of Alzheimer’s disease.

Your Role...

The Neuroimmunology group at the LCSB led by Prof. Michael Heneka, has started its activities at LCSB in early 2022. It focuses on the role of immune mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular focus on Alzheimer’s disease. Michael Heneka has recently received a PEARL grant from the Fonds National de la Recherche in Luxembourg and has an immediate opening for a motivated, talented and experienced Postdoctoral researcher.

The MINIALZ PEARL project aims to study the interaction of immune cells and neurons in the brain and to identify molecular mechanisms that can be harnessed for developing preventive, disease-modifying or acute therapeutic measures. MINIALZ will further identify early immune function and biomarker traits, in order to support diagnosis prior to clinical appearance. MINIALZ will be based on a new mechanism recently identified by the applicant’s group, by which microglia form a tunnelling nanotube network (TNTs) with neighboring neurons in order to free the latter from pathological proteins and ensure their function and survival. Preliminary data suggest that such microglia-neuron TNTs may contribute to neuronal survival in models of neurodegeneration and the involved mechanisms are defective in microglia carrying disease-associated AD risk mutations.

The post-doc will contribute to a better understanding of the influence of genetic and environmental factors on TNT-mediated aggregate transport and removal in vivo. He/she will study zebrafish models on Alzheimer’s disease in close collaboration with the LCSB aquatic facility

The postdoctoral researcher should have a strong background in working with zebrafish models, especially with brain imaging and generating mutants. We are looking for a candidate who can work independently but also enjoys collaborating closely with other members of the lab (neuroscientists, clinician neuroscientists, neurobiologists, etc.) as well as national and international collaborators. Experience with in vivo imaging techniques and state of the art imaging analysis or biochemical assessment of neuropathology (e.g, beta-amyloid/tau pathology) would be an asset.

What we expect from you…

• Ph.D. in neurobiology, neurophysics, neuroimmunology or a related scientific/technical discipline
• Experience in working with zebrafish models is warranted and AAALAC or equivalent certification is required
• Experience in advanced imaging techniques and in CRISPR-Cas screens
• A successful candidate should be willing to take initiative, leadership and responsibility for this demanding project
• Further career development by writing own grants will be strongly supported

In Short...

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 24 Month (extension possible)
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Belval
• Job Reference: UOL05486

The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is EUR 77167 (full time)

How to apply...

Applications should be submitted online and include:

• A detailed curriculum vitae
• 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.

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...

For further information, please contact: Prof. Michael Heneka

E-mail: michael.heneka@uni.lu

Telephone: (+352) 46 66 44 6922