Up to 48 months contract - 14+22 (+12) months | Belvaux

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

The MICRO-PATH Doctoral Training Unit (DTU) unites experts from various disciplines to investigate links between the microbiome and chronic diseases alongside generalisable pathogenic effects. Our mission is to understand these links causally and mechanistically, and to establish the microbiome as a key target for future therapeutic and preventative measures.

MICRO-PATH is a competitive, interdisciplinary PhD programme supported by the PRIDE scheme of the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) and the partner institutions. Our DTU focuses on microbiome-mediated pathogenesis through microbiology and big data analytics. The programme offers transferable skills training, career development support, lectures by international experts, and annual PhD symposia.

Make sure to see the DTU website to find out more: https://micro-path.uni.lu

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?

Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), which permanently modifies the recipient’s intestinal microbiota, is today a very promising therapeutic alternative for certain pathologies, such as recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections. Despite FMT’s apparent simplicity, concerns about short and long-term safety, particularly regarding viral risks, may have hampered its widespread adoption. Future efforts should focus on establishing robust risk assessment protocols and addressing these safety concerns to unlock FMT’s full therapeutic potential. We pioneered a novel aptamer-based method for identifying enteric viruses in clinical samples. Aptamers, small single-stranded nucleic acids (DNA or RNA), possess unique three-dimensional structures and demonstrate exceptional specificity and affinity towards their targets. They offer significant advantages over traditional antibody-based assays and genomic amplification techniques commonly employed in similar diagnostic approaches. Firstly, we seek to deepen our understanding of the human gut virome and its implications as a potential reservoir for human pathogenic viruses within the framework of FMT. Secondly, we endeavour to pioneer the development of a novel diagnostic tool aimed at enhancing the safety profile of FMT procedures. The new insights, expertise and technologies gleaned from this project will support the actors of the medical sector in their efforts to promote FMT and to foster innovative therapeutic approaches in addressing medical challenges.

By combining multi-faceted training activities leading to specialized as well as transferrable skills, the PhD candidate will achieve scientific and professional excellence by the end of their studies. Key elements of the holistic training program foreseen in MICRO-PATH are:

• Conducting research in the framework of a doctoral research project under the guidance of the PhD Supervisor

• Access to scientific and transferable skills courses such as project management, scientific writing, career development, presentation skills or good scientific practices

• Active participation (poster, talks) in scientific conferences

• Dedicated outreach activities

• Scientific exchange, ranging from 1 week to 3 months, during the PhD

• An environment fostering good research culture, self-care and well-being, as well as self-awareness

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

Education

·        You hold a Master’s degree in microbiology, Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or equivalent

Experience and skills

·        A background in microbiology is mandatory.

·        Experience in molecular biology and biochemistry is required

·        Experience is virology and cell culture would be a strong asset

Language skills

·        Good level both 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

This position is part of the doctoral training unit MICRO-PATH, including 16 doctoral candidates. We seek candidates with a strong potential to excel in a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment.

Your application must include:

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

·        A scientific CV with contact details

·        Copy of relevant diplomas including marks

·        List of publications (and patents, if applicable)

·        Contact details of 2 references

To apply, please submit your application ONLINE through the HR systems of BOTH institutions: the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) and the University of Luxembourg (Luxembourg University). 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: Leslie OGORZALY (leslie.ogorzaly@list.lu)

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

·        PhD enrolment: University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg

Please note that university enrolment fees must be covered by the successful applicant, currently set at 400 EUR per semester (as of July 2025). Your master diploma has to 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