Doctoral researcher on ribosome speed control in neurodegeneration

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

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.

Protein synthesis is one of the most crucial steps in controlling gene expression. The speed at which a ribosome reads the mRNA transcript is not constant, but varies depending on the transcript and the encoded protein. This variation in ribosome speed is necessary for certain proteins to fold correctly. This has important implications for neurodegenerative diseases, which are characterised by the accumulation of misfolded and aggregated proteins. While we have a basic understanding of protein synthesis, we know little about the mechanisms that control ribosome speed in healthy and diseased neurons.

In this CORE project funded by the FNR, we will elucidate these mechanisms in neurons from patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and from healthy individuals. To this end, we will integrate ribosome interactomics, translatomics, and nascent proteomics data in order to shed light on co-translational protein misfolding in human dopaminergic PD neurons. We will then combine these findings with genetic patient information to identify critical mutations in translation regulators that may affect the rate of protein synthesis.

This project will establish the concept of translation dysregulation as an important new area of PD pathogenesis for developing new translation-based drugs.

This project focuses on transcriptomics and proteomics experiments, as well as interactomics and kinetic translatomics of translating ribosomes and their genetic manipulation in dopaminergic neurons from various PD models. The aim is to use these findings to identify translationally aberrant protein products that have a high propensity to aggregate. This will form the basis of testing various translation modifiers to restore translational dysregulation in these cells. The candidate will be responsible for differentiating neural stem or progenitor cells into dopaminergic neurons and performing all omics experiments. The person will also be responsible for validating the findings, testing translation modifiers and assisting with the analysis.

• Cell culture experience is essential, ideally with stem cells
• Practical experience in transcriptomics and, ideally, translatomics
• Practical experience in proteomics and interactomics is a plus
• Practical experience in ribosome biology is a plus
• Experience in bioinformatics/computational biology is a plus
• Practical experience of protein aggregation assays is a plus
• Well-structured and autonomous working style, good organisational and communication skills
• Team player

Early-stage researcher: a researcher without a PhD who has graduated in the field of bioinformatics, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related fields – M.Sc. required

Language Requiremets:

Applicants must demonstrate at least B2-level proficiency in the language of their thesis. For details and accepted certificates, please visit the Application for admission – Doctoral Candidates.

• 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 …

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter presenting your motivation for this doctoral thesis topic, and explaining how your qualifications and aspirations align with its academic focus
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
• List of publications, if applicable
• Name and addresses of two referees

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Planned start date: 1st of March 2026
• Location: Belval Campus
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL07933

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR full time).