Research Support Technician / Multi-Organ-On-Chip Development

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.

Your role

The Systems Ecology group at the LCSB is further expanding its research efforts on organ-on-chip models, and has an immediate opening for a motivated and talented research support technician (intermediate-level position) to support the experimental work in the context of in vitro studies of interactions between the human host and the gut microbiome.cHuman-borne microorganisms affect the health status of their host directly or indirectly. However, how host cells and microbial cells interact, e.g., in the gut, and how this is linked to health and disease remains poorly understood. The Systems Ecology group has developed an in vitro gut-on-a-chip model to study the human-microbial crosstalk. HuMiX mimics closely the physiological conditions of the gut and allows for proximal co-culture of human cells and microbial cells, thereby enabling the systematic study of the human-microbiome crosstalk to better understand how the gut microbiome affects host health. The group is working on interfacing HuMiX with other organ-on-chip models to enable the in vitro study of cross-organ interactions affecting or being affected by the gut microbiome.

You will help to further develop and implement a microfluidics-based human and microbial cell co-culture device as well as interfacing the device with other organ-on-chip systems. You will support daily lab operations, including ordering lab supplies, sample organization and preparation, biomolecular extraction, protocol optimization, as well as interaction with project partners and platform personnel.

Your tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Cell culture (human cells [primary, cell lines, organoids], microbial cells)
• Microscopy techniques (live/dead staining, cell counting, etc.)
• Biomolecular techniques (extraction and storage of DNA, RNA, proteins, and/or metabolites)
• Planning of experiments and ensuring availability of needed equipment, consumables, and facilities considering your own activities as well as those of others working on organ-on-a-chip models
• Optimisation and testing of new protocols
• Identification and troubleshooting of technical problems with lab equipment
• Thorough record keeping in a well-organized and electronic lab notebook
• Reviewing of local laboratory processes and providing recommendations for improvement
• Interaction with project partners, e.g., coordination of sample shipment and storage
• Support in further expanding the activities surrounding organ-on-chip models

For further information, please contact: Prof. Paul Wilmes / E-mail: paul.wilmes@uni.lu
Telephone: (+352) 46 66 44 6188

Your profile

• A Bachelor or Master degree (or equivalent) ideally with experience in organ-on-a-chip models, preferably gut-on-a-chip
• Experience in human cell culture, microbiological cultivation, and molecular biology techniques
• Team player
• Highly reliable and precise work style
• Great organizational skills and willingness to work independently in phases of potentially little guidance from supervisor
• Assistance in general lab activities, e.g., ordering of consumables or organization of lab waste management
• Basic computer skills to ensure electronic record keeping and generation of work summaries, e.g., documenting quality and quantity results from different protocols
• Attention to detail, especially accurate data entry and sample handling
• Communication in English is essential, both written and spoken
• Experience in basic data analysis (generation of summary figures, etc.) will be regarded as an asset

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 should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter
• 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 12 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Campus Belval
• Internal Title: Research support technician
• Job Reference: UOL07348

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