Fixed term contract | Hautcharage | 14+22+12 Months
Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us
The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a leading Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) that drives innovation for the economy and society in Luxembourg and beyond. With cutting-edge expertise in Natural, Built, Industrial environments, Space, AI, Security and defence technologies. LIST bridges scientific excellence and applied research to design solutions that address real-world challenges and create positive impact.
Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: https://www.list.lu/
How will you contribute?
You will join the recently awarded PEARL project FUNG-FACTORY in a team of approximately 10 people – led by Ronald de Vries, dedicated to developing fungal cell factories for the production of enzymes and metabolites.
Your PhD project will focus on AI-driven synthetic biology to develop novel enzymes with improved properties. The first part of the project will focus on the development and use of the AI-pipeline, while the second part will be experimental and focus on producing and testing the novel enzymes you designed.
Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!
Education
• Master's degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, biotechnology or bioinformatics
Experience and skills
• Experience with methodologies in molecular biology and biochemistry
• Experience with bioinformatics is an asset
• Experience with fungi is an asset
• Ability and willingness to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• High motivation, scientific curiosity and creativity
Language skills
• Strong knowledge of English (both spoken and written) is required.
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 60 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 (not remote) 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, ethnicity, 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.
As part of our recruitment process, the selected candidate might be subject to a background check in accordance with applicable laws and institutional policies. Further checks and restrictions might apply to candidates in compliance with export controls requirements.
PhD additional information:
Supervisor at LIST: Dr. Ronald de Vries
Work location: Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Luxembourg
PhD enrolment: University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg
Please note that university enrolment fees, currently set at 400 EUR per semester (as of April 2026 – this amount may evolve) must be covered by the successful applicant.
Your master diploma has to be recognized in Luxembourg. Please refer to: https://www.uni.lu/en/admissions/diploma-recognition/ and https://guichet.public.lu/fr/citoyens/enseignement-formation/etudes-superieures/reconnaissance-diplomes.html
Hired PhD candidates must self-register at the university of Luxembourg and cover all associated fees.
A B2 English certificate is mandatory; see University of Luxembourg's accepted certificates list, IELTS or TOEFL, unless your Master degree was fully taught in English.
This position offers a gross monthly salary of € 3’521,71 (index 992.24), paid over 13 months based on full‑time employment.