Research support technician focusing on supporting the application and development of biomolecular extraction techniques

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.

Within LCSB, the Systems Ecology group has an immediate opening for a motivated and talented research support technician (entry- to advanced-level position) to assist with the extraction of biomolecules (DNA, RNA, proteins, metabolites) from environmental and/or host-borne samples in the context Systems Ecology studies of mixed microbial communities.

Mixed microbial communities, also referred to as microbiomes, play key roles in natural and/or biotechnological processes. However, the study of these communities is extremely challenging due to their complexity and diversity, and the small size and large number of constituent microorganisms. Hence, the Systems Ecology group at the LCSB has developed protocols for sample collection, storage, and processing to enable the in situ study of microbiomes on the compositional, functional, and activity level. The group routinely applies metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, metaproteomic, and meta-metabolomic high-throughput molecular approaches on DNA, RNA, proteins, and metabolites, respectively, extracted from microbiomes samples. Automatization of the sample extraction is enabled through a robotic platform, thereby allowing for repeated and controlled sample processing.

Your Role...

You will support daily lab operations, including sample organization and preparation, biomolecular extraction, protocol optimization, ordering lab supplies, as well as interaction with project partners and platform personnel (internal and external). You will build on existing, world-wide distinctive approaches for the concomitant biomolecular extraction from single, unique samples developed in the Systems Ecology group at the University of Luxembourg. You will also support (directly or indirectly) lab activities requiring the downstream analysis of biomolecular extracts and help in complementary activities, e.g., cell culture.

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

• Biomolecular techniques applied to microbiome samples (kit-based as well as non-kit-based extractions of DNA, RNA, proteins, metabolites)
• Interaction with partners, e.g., coordination of sample shipment and storage
• Optimization and testing of new protocols
• Implementation and application of protocols on the existing robotic platform
• Identification and troubleshooting of technical problems with lab equipment
• Thorough record keeping in a well-organized and electronic lab notebook
• Careful handling of samples following best laboratory practices
• Reviewing of local laboratory processes and providing recommendations for improvement

What we expect from you…

• A Bachelor or Master degree (or equivalent) with wet-lab experience, preferably in next-generation sequencing (DNA, RNA) or mass spectrometry (proteomics, metabolomics)
• Team player
• Highly reliable and precise work style
• Good organizational skills and willingness to work independently in phases of potentially little guidance from supervisor
• Assistance in general lab activities, e.g., ordering of consumables or lab waste management
• Basic computer skills to ensure electronic record keeping and generation of work summaries, e.g., documenting quality and quantity results from different protocols
• Attention to detail, especially accurate data entry and sample handling
• Communication in English is essential, both written and spoken
• Experience in human cell culture, microbiological cultivation, and molecular biology techniques will be considered as an asset
• Experience in basic data analysis (generation of summary figures, etc.) will be regarded as an asset

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
• Work hours: Full Time 40.0 Heures par Semaine
• Location: Belval
• Starting date: 1st April 2023
• Internal title: Research support technician
• Job reference: UOL05627

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

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.

Further information

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