Temporary contract | 48 months | Belval

Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.

Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: https://www.list.lu/

How will you contribute?

We are looking for our new highly motivated PhD candidate to join an interdisciplinary research project aimed at understanding the impact of nanoplastics (NPLs) on human health. With growing evidence that food, beverages, and drinking water may be contaminated with NPLs, concerns about human exposure and potential health risks are rising. However, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding how these plastic particles interact with the human body, particularly within the gastro-intestinal tract (GIT), which serves as both a barrier and a potential entry point for NPLs.

As per so you will have the opportunity to manufacture specific nanoplastics and track their behavior in complex biological environments. For that, you will use cutting-edge nanoscale analytical techniques (based in particular on mass spectrometry and electron microscopy) developed at LIST, for detailed investigation of NPL fate, transformations, and uptake, offering new insights into their toxicological effects.

This project is embedded in a dynamic and fast-evolving international research landscape, with the goal of advancing our understanding of NPLs and their potential health impacts. You will work within an interdisciplinary consortium combining life and physical sciences, making significant contributions to toxicological knowledge.

Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!

·         Master's degree in Materials Science or Biology, or closely related fields

·         Master diploma with a university education focussing on biology, biochemistry, chemistry, materials science or similar

·         Interest in chemistry, microscopy, mass spectrometry and toxicology

·         Self-motivated by passion for science and research

·         Ability to work in a team with team-spirit mandatory

·         Good level of written and spoken English

Your LIST benefits

·         An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects

·         Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society

·         Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do

·         An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas

·         Personalized learning programme to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills

·         Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 nationalities represented in our workforce

·         Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions

·         Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science

·         32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance

·         Flexible working hours, home working policy and access to lunch vouchers

Apply online

Your application must include:

·         A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience

·         A scientific CV with contact details

·         Contact details of 2 references

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

Application procedure and conditions

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.

LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.

Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.

PhD additional conditions:

·         Supervisor at LIST: Dr Jean-Nicolas Audinot (jean-nicolas.audinot@list.lu )

·         Work location: Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Belvaux, Luxembourg

·         PhD enrolment: University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg

Candidates shall be available for starting their position in spring 2025. Please note that university enrolment fees (currently 200 EUR per semester) must be covered by the successful applicant.

Your master diploma must be recognized in Luxembourg. Please refer to:

https://www.uni.lu/en/admissions/diploma-recognition/

https://guichet.public.lu/fr/citoyens/enseignement-formation/etudes-superieures/reconnaissance-diplomes.html