Doctoral researcher in Molecular Biophysics of Chaperone-Regulated Protein Phase Transitions

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 researchcentreof the University of Luxembourg.

We conduct fundamental and translational research in the field of Systems Biology and Biomedicine – in the lab, in the clinic andin 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,physicistsand 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.

The Molecular Biophysics Junior Group is seeking a highly motivated biophysicist, biochemist or molecular biologist to investigate the regulation of the formation and ageing of intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) condensates by small heat shock proteins (sHsps). The project integrates cutting-edge microfluidic approaches, fluorescence-based assays and advanced microscopy techniques to study the molecular interactions underlying protein aggregation and neurodegeneration. The candidate will develop and apply microfluidic diffusional sizing, free-flow electrophoresis and single-cell biophysical measurements in order to quantify sHsp–IDP interactions. These studies will be complemented by cellular imaging using expansion and super-resolution microscopy.

The candidate should have experience in state-of-the-art biophysical methods with a particular focus on the kinetic processes involved in protein aggregation, molecular interactions and protein folding

In Particular:

• The candidate will have an MSc or equivalent degree with a strong academic background in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Biology, or related areas
• Previous experience in protein biochemistry and quantitative biophysical methods (e.g., aggregation assays, fluorescence spectroscopy, microfluidics or microscopy) is highly desirable
• Previous work and publications in the field of protein aggregation, phase-separation or chaperone biology should be outlined in the CV
• Skills and knowledge in microfluidics, kinetic data analysis, Python scripting, protein purification, and cell culture are beneficial
• The candidate should have an interdisciplinary aptitude, strong organisational and interpersonal skills, and a keen interest in collaborative biomedical research

LanguageRequiremets:

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

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
• Location: Belval Campus
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL07844

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