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

About UsThe 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.Your roleThe 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.Your profileThe 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 foldingIn Particular:The candidate will have an MSc or equivalent degree with a strong academic background in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Biology, or related areasPrevious experience in protein biochemistry and quantitative biophysical methods (e.g., aggregation assays, fluorescence spectroscopy, microfluidics or microscopy) is highly desirablePrevious work and publications in the field of protein aggregation, phase-separation or chaperone biology should be outlined in the CVSkills and knowledge in microfluidics, kinetic data analysis, Python scripting, protein purification, and cell culture are beneficialThe candidate should have an interdisciplinary aptitude, strong organisational and interpersonal skills, and a keen interest in collaborative biomedical researchLanguageRequiremets: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.We offerMultilingual 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 infrastructureA 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 …How to applyApplications should include:Curriculum VitaeCover letter presenting your motivation for this doctoral thesis topic, and explaining how your qualifications and aspirations align with its academic focusTranscript of all modules and results from university-level courses takenAll 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 MonthWork Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per WeekLocation: Belval CampusInternal Title: Doctoral ResearcherJob Reference: UOL07844The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 41976 (full time).