Postdoc Jobs in Saarburg

About us...

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.

The Translational Neuroscience team's focus lies in the identification of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for PD, aimed at bridging the gap between fundamental research and integrative clinical care by embedding the "from bench to bed" research approach. Fundamental research focuses on iPSC-derived neuronal models to elucidate the molecular and cellular alterations contributing to neurodegeneration in familial and idiopathic forms of PD, Dementia with Lewy bodies, atypical parkinsonism, and rare neurological diseases. Newly discovered molecular targets and disease-associated cellular phenotypes are used as readouts in drug screening approaches, to identify molecules that, after in vitro and in vivo validation, could be potentially used in future intelligent clinical trials.

About the SIMPATHIC Project :

The SIMPATHIC project is dedicated to optimizing drug repurposing to address unmet medical needs in rare diseases. Our novel approach involves the simultaneous development of repurposed drugs across different rare diseases with overlapping molecular and clinical characteristics. Key project objectives include :

• Developing standard operating procedures for stem cell-derived neuronal models
• Identifying new drug repurposing candidates using brain-on-a-chip and 3D brain organoid models
• Designing innovative basket clinical trials for patients with distinct genetic diagnoses but shared pathomechanisms
• Creating patient empowerment strategies to involve patient communities in drug development

About the role...

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team within the SIMPATHIC project, funded by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA). This research initiative aims to accelerate drug repurposing for rare neurological, neurometabolic, and neuromuscular disorders by leveraging shared clinical and molecular pathology mechanisms. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge translational neuroscience research, integrating stem cell models, high-throughput drug screening, and innovative clinical trial designs.

We are offering a 2-year postdoc position in the form of a full-time employment at the University of Luxembourg, funded by the European Comission within the HORIZON EUROPE framework ("SIMPATHIC" proposal to Prof. KRÜGER and Dr. Ibrahim Boussaad) and in close collaboration with the SIMPATHIC consortium members, for the development of a repurposing drug candidate for the treatment of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, Leigh syndrome, congenital neurotransmitter defect, pyridoxine dependent epilepsy, Glutaric aciduria, PMM2-Congenital disorder glycosylation, Zellweger Spectrum Disorders, myotonic dystrophy type 1 and congenital myasthenic syndrome. The project aims is to accelerate drug repurposing for these rare neurological, neurometabolic and neuromuscular disorders (neuro-RD) by simultaneous drug screenings on patient- derived neuronal models. The candidate will be involved in extensive experimental work, including neuronal differentiation, drug screening assay development, high content confocal imaging and computational analyses of confocal images.

Your profile...

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience :

Essential experience and skills :

Desirable experience and skills :

In return you will get…

How to apply...

Applications should include :

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 :

The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is EUR 83099 (full time).