R&D specialist in a research-to-market project based on a sustainable biomaterial breakthrough 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.

About the PLM Group: The applicant will be a member of the Physics of Living Matter (PLM) Group headed by Prof. Dr. Anupam Sengupta, at the Department of Physics and Materials Science. An overview of the research activities of the PLM Group can be found here:

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

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

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.

Your Role...

The deliverables of this position fall in the frame of a market-oriented innovative proof-of-concept biotechnology research project, funded by the Luxembourg National Research Funds (FNR-JUMP). The project aims to upscale the production of an exciting recently discovered bio-based sustainable material, and bring the product to the Luxembourgish and European consumer goods markets. Under the leadership and guidance of Prof. Anupam Sengupta (Head of the PLM Group), and through collaborations with his cross-disciplinary research team, the successful candidate will contribute to technical solutions and address technical challenges in production upscaling while also liaising with and analyzing identified targeted markets with respect to product fit. The key deliverables involve product upscaling, development of business model and a business plan for spinning off a company that will bring the innovative biomaterial to market by the end of the 2-year BRIDGE project. The successful candidate will, under supervision of Prof. Sengupta, initiate and build up relations with potential investors who can be engaged to seed the spin-off company.

Our expectations:

As the project bridges biotechnology, production and biochemical engineering, entrepreneurship and business development, you will be working closely both with the scientific members of the PLM research group and with the FNR-JUMP team (Business advisor, Technology Transfer Officer, Research Facilitator). You will be responsible for the research-to-market step by (1) identifying key obstacles to upscaling production, and finding viable solutions, based both on existing manufacturing protocols and innovating new methods; (2) consolidating R&D relations with local and European companies interested in the novel biomaterial; (3) expanding the analysis of target markets and consequently refine the product focus; and (4) develop the business model and business plan (with the support of our business team including an external consultant) toward spinning off a company in ~24 month period.

The position requires you to have excellent communication skills (in English; German and French proficiency will be a plus), a collaborative mindset and sufficient flexibility to switch between relevant topics of the project: from biotechnology to business management. The success of the project will depend on the candidate possessing strong interest in and openness towards both technological innovation and business development and management, and the ability to assimilate information and effectively communicate between the team members, and various industrial stakeholders.

What we expect from you…

• A Masters degree holder in biotechnology, microbiology, chemical engineering, bio-based materials science/engineering, or related field; a degree in entrepreneurship and/or business administration will be a plus
• 5+ years of relevant experience of interdisciplinary research, entrepreneurship and company foundation will be considered strong advantages
• Ability to work independently in phases of potentially little guidance from supervisor
• Commitment to deadline-oriented team work, and prompt learning of missing/ complementary skills required to link biotechnology, innovation and entrepreneurship
• An entrepreneurial mindset and good business acumen, knowledge of IT and HTML competence will be an asset
• Excellent verbal and written English, knowledge of French and German 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: Befristeter Vertrag 12 Monat (renewable)
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Stunden pro Woche
• Location: Belval
• Internal Title: Research and development specialist
• Job Reference: UOL05601

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)
• 2-page document describing your strategy for successful entrepreneurship
• Copies of relevant diplomas or publications (English translations, wherever appropriate)
• Contact details of at least three 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.

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.