Technician iPSC NIM

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.

Successful candidates will join the Neuroinflammation group, led by Prof. Michael Heneka, which aims at understanding molecular mechanisms of inflammatory regulation in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, using novel preclinical mouse models and state-of-the-art techniques like two-photon imaging, transcriptome analysis and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), to develop new biomarkers and medical intervention programs. For more information, please visit our website 

Your Role...

• You will be responsible for the generation of iPSC lines from patient fibroblast or blood samples and for differentiating iPSCs into different cell types (neurons, microglia…)
• You will develop and work with iPSC-derived cell models, prepare primary neuronal and non-neuronal cell cultures, and, in particular, live cell imaging using light and fluorescence microscopy
• You will use sophisticated live cell imaging protocols for the analysis of intra- and intercellular transport
• You will support daily lab operations, including ordering lab supplies, sample organization and preparation as well as biomolecular extraction
• Additional tasks represent methods of cellular and molecular biology including but not restricted to the extraction of biomolecules (DNA, RNA, proteins) and related detection methods (FACS, ELISA, Western blot, qPCR)

The open position is part of the recently received PEARL grant from the Fonds National de la Recherche in Luxembourg which aims to study the role of microglia neuron interactions in Alzheimer’s disease.

The project will test if the interaction of immune cells and neurons 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 technician will contribute to the project by generating and maintaining the various cell cultures for the cell culture experiments as well as by performing various biochemical and imaging studies on the iPSCs and differentiated brain cells.

For further information, please contact Michael Heneka (michael.heneka@uni.lu).

What we expect from you…

• A Bachelor or Master degree (or equivalent) with wet-lab experience, in molecular biology techniques and cell culture
• Experience with generating iPSCs, with primary cell culture as well as with neuronal and microglia cultures
• Experience with advanced imaging techniques
• Basic molecular biology techniques
• Highly reliable and precise working style
• Good organizational skills and willingness to work independently
• Basic computer skills to ensure electronic record keeping and generation of work summaries
• Attention to detail, especially accurate data entry and sample handling
• Communication in English is essential, both written and spoken

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: Fixed Term Contract 24 Month
• Work hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Belval
• Internal title: Research support technician
• Job reference: UOL05640

How to apply...

Applications should be submitted online and include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter

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.