PhD in Biophysics of Host-Pathogen Interactions

Université du Luxembourg; Biesdorf; Vor Ort; EUR 42.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A prominent research university in Germany is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate in the field of microbiome research. The position requires a Bachelor's and Master's in physics, engineering, biology, or related domains. The candidate will work on host-pathogen interactions, conducting experiments and computational analysis. This is a full-time position with a gross salary of €41,976 annually, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and modern research environments.

Leistungen

High-quality equipment

Close ties to the business world

Multicultural environment

Qualifikationen

• Researcher without a PhD, in the first four years of a research career.
• Experience in biomaterials, soft matter physics, or biophysics preferred.
• Fluency in English is mandatory.

Aufgaben

• Conduct wet lab experiments on host-pathogen interactions.
• Use imaging, microfluidics, statistical analysis for research.
• Collaborate with multiple research groups in the consortium.

Kenntnisse

Quantitative imaging

Machine learning techniques

Basic programming/coding

Ausbildung

Bachelor's and Master's in physics, engineering, biology, or related domains

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Jobbeschreibung

About the FSTM

About the FSTM

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

The Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) at the University of Luxembourg contributes multidisciplinary expertise in the fields of Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences and Medicine.

Through its dual mission of teaching and research, the FSTM seeks to generate and disseminate knowledge and train new generations of responsible citizens in order to better understand, explain and advance society and environment we live in.

Your role

The PhD position is embedded within the MICRO-PATH Doctoral Training Programme, funded by the Luxembourg National Research Fund. MICRO-PATH, or Pathogenesis in the Age of the Microbiome (https://micro-path.uni.lu) is a highly competitive, interdisciplinary, research-intensive PhD training programme, supported by the PRIDE funding scheme of the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) and the programme\'s partner institutions: University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg Institute of Health, and Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology. MICRO-PATH addresses research questions based on causal and mechanistic studies of microbiome-mediated pathogenesis. This is achieved by bridging microbiology and big data analytics in a structured doctoral training environment.

The need of microbiome research in the current age lies in joining forces from multiple disciplines to focus on understanding causal and mechanistic links between the microbiome and chronic diseases alongside generalisable pathogenic effects. The vision of the MICRO-PATH doctoral training unit (DTU) is therefore to tackle these challenges in a focused way and to lay the foundation for establishing the microbiome as a therapeutic and preventative target in the future.

The human microbiome has been implicated in the initiation and progression of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson\'s disease and Alzheimer\'s disease. Within MICRO-PATH, the Physics of Living Matter Group at the DPHYMS ( Research homepage ) has an immediate opening for a highly motivated and talented doctoral candidate to work on the biophysics of host-pathogen interactions using in vitro model systems mimicking chronic diseases.

The project foresees ample collaborative opportunities with research groups in the MICRO-PATH consortium, spanning the Luxembourg Center for Systems Biomedicine, the Department of Engineering, Department of Life Science & Medicine, as well as other institutions within Luxembourg. The PhD student will be enrolled in the Doctoral School in Science and Engineering at the University of Luxembourg, and follow a vibrant PhD program that includes training in transferable skills, support for career development, lectures and teaching by international experts and annual PhD symposia.

The PhD project interfaces two rich fields of research : Physics of Living Matter and Physics of Complex Systems, with an overarching goal to understand the host-microbe dynamics in the context of chronic diseases like the Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or IBD. The selected PhD student will conduct their research in the Physics of Living Matter Group, with exciting collaborative opportunities globally, as well as within Luxembourg.

The doctoral candidate will perform wet lab experiments as well as computational analysis to uncover biophysical principles that regulate host-pathogen interactions and feedback, using a combination of quantitative imaging, microfluidics, statistical analysis and machine learning tools. A specific focus will be put on discovering biophysical couplings between microbial species and their host environments under in vitro settings, mimicking IBD and other relevant chronic diseases.

Your profile

Your profile

Early-stage researcher: a researcher without a PhD, who is in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research career, measured from the date when they obtained the degree, which would formally entitle them to embark on a doctorate. We are seeking a motivated candidate who is a Bachelors and Masters degree holder in the field of physics, engineering, biology, or related domains. Candidates with background in biomaterials, soft matter physics, biophysics or active matter physics will be given preference. Experience or knowledge in quantitative imaging and image analysis (MATLAB or Python), machine learning techniques, and basic programming / coding will be a plus. Fluency in English is mandatory. Willingness to work in an inter-cultural and international environment, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team, will be highly valued.

We offer

• 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 …

How to apply

Applications (in English) should include :

• Cover letter indicating your motivation for this position, relevant past experience and future interests
• A detailed curriculum vitae
• A copy of the relevant diplomas showing marks, indicating the grading system
• List of publications, if applicable
• Name and addresses of at least 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
• Location: Limpertsberg Campus
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL07688

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 41976 (full time).