Fixed term contract | Hautcharage | 18 Months

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?

You will join a team of researchers and engineers – on average 10 people - led by Magdalena Calusinska, dedicated to advancing microbial biotechnology through multi-omics approaches, bioinformatics, and process optimization.

As post-doctoral researcher, you will work in the frame of the CHASSIS project funded by the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) through the OPEN research program.

CHASSIS ultimate goal is the discovery of new metabolites and chemical scaffolds of fungal origin for future biotechnological and agriculture applications.

This will be achieved primarily by developing a cutting-edge bioprospecting platform based on targeted expression of entire fungal secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in a genetically tractable host combined with high throughput metabolomic screening of metabolites produced by heterologous expression libraries.

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

Education

You hold a PhD in biochemistry, bioengineering, microbiology, or a related field, with strong expertise in fungal microbiology and molecular biology.

You are curious, creative, and motivated to learn new skills and apply innovative approaches to solve scientific challenges.

You are careful, conscientious, and well organized in the laboratory.

You maintain thorough documentation of your work.

You enjoy working collaboratively.

You are driven to make a meaningful impact through your research.

Hands-on experience with the following is required for this position:

• Proven experience working with Aspergillus species (particularly A. nidulans and A. niger), including protoplast-mediated transformation.

• Experience in fungal expression design, including the selection of suitable markers, promoters, and terminators, and optimisation of regeneration conditions.

• Design of AMA1-based autonomous plasmids for stable episomal maintenance and high transformation efficiency.

• Demonstrated expertise in constructing large DNA plasmids using Gibson Assembly and yeast homologous recombination, including multi-gene cassette or operon-like constructs

Language skills

Fluency in English (and French), both oral and written. Other relevant languages are an asset.

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 Digital 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

·          List of publications (and patents, if applicable)

·          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.