Associate Professor in Translational Neuroscience with a focus on biomedical imaging

The University of Luxembourg aspires to be a world-class research university. It strives for excellence in both fundamental and applied research, and in education. It drives innovation for society, has a high proportion of graduate students, and intertwines research, teaching and societal impact. The University of Luxembourg has the profile of a research university with a strong activity in research, a high proportion of doctoral candidates and success in internationally competitive third-party funding, combined with excellent research-driven teaching throughout the University. The University has three missions: research, higher education and contribution to the social, cultural and economic development of the country.

The newly recruited professor will join the LCSB - an interdisciplinary research centre within the University of Luxembourg. At LCSB we accelerate biomedical research by closing the link between systems biology and medical research. Collaborations between biologists, medical doctors, computer scientists, physicists, engineers and mathematicians offer new insights in complex systems essential for understanding principal mechanisms of disease pathogenesis and for developing new tools in diagnostics and therapy. The focus of the LCSB is on neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular interest in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, with the willingness to expand the scope of neurodegenerative diseases covered. With this position, the LCSB would like to strengthen its experimental research pillar and in particular the use of animal as well as cellular models.

The Professor in Translational Neuroscience with a focus on biomedical imaging should develop and establish sophisticated imaging approaches including optogenic or chemogenic modulation of cellular activity, light sensitive activation, inactivation of substances or genes, state of the art cerebral imaging methods (small animal MRI, PET) and Multiphoton laser scanning microscopy. The professor should focus on models of neurodegenerative disease, and work on diseases that are currently not yet a focus of the LCSB (e.g. ALS, MS, Huntington’s disease…) is also welcomed.

Your Role...

As an Associate Professor at the University of Luxembourg you will:

• Conduct research at the highest scientific level
• Set up and develop your own research group in the field of translational neuroscience and biomedical imaging
• Be responsible for establishing a competitive research programme in advanced biomedical imaging in models of neurodegeneration and bringing additional advanced imaging technologies to the LCSB
• Lead interdisciplinary research by reaching out to the experimental, computational and clinical research groups within the collaborative environment of the University and LCSB
• Interact and collaborate with other groups within the Luxembourg and the international research community
• Be engaged in teaching courses for the Bachelor and Master in Systems Biology and upcoming medical education program as well as supervising and training of PhD students and mentoring of postdocs

What we expect from you…

• A Ph.D. in relevant field with documented background in neuroscience and advanced imaging
• An excellent research record in neuroscience and advanced imaging techniques proven by high-level publications, conference presentations, and participation in international research collaborations
• Strong background in in vivo imaging, opto- or chemogenics and the assessment of cerebral functions using either rodent and/or zebrafish models
• Experience in in vivo modelling of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Huntington’s disease
• Strong expertise with image analysis including machine learning and Artificial Intelligence approaches will be an asset
• Experience in animal studies as well as design and conduct of experiments – practice with different animal models is a plus
• Proven expert knowledge of the principles, regulations and professional ethics related to animal biomedical research including necessary qualification and training certificates (FELASA or equivalent)
• Experience in interdisciplinary research, systems and computational biology and/or willingness to emerge in this highly interdisciplinary environment
• Proven leadership skills, including personnel and budget management skills
• Experience in acquiring and managing research projects • candidates with multiple research experiences abroad will be preferred. Additionally, work experience in the pharmaceutical arena is considered a plus
• teaching experience at the undergraduate and the postgraduate level as well as supervisory skills
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills

The University of Luxembourg is set in a multilingual context. The person hired on this position must be proficient in English and either French or German. The University encourages its staff to learn the other language and provides access to language courses to this end.

Here’s what awaits you at the LCSB...

• Excellent work environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure, laboratory and administrative support
• Truly connected. We work together with hospitals and research institutes on a national and international level as well as industrial partners. Connection between science and society is very important to us. From our school lab – the Scienteens Lab – to the different outreach activities and collaborative partnerships with patient associations, we love to listen to society’s needs and share our passion for science
• Be part of a multicultural team. At the LCSB we have more than 50 nationalities. Throughout the year, we organise team-building events, networking activities and more

Find out more about us!

We offer…

• Fully funded position with competitive remuneration and attractive group budget
• Highly engaged and motivated staff in a positive and dynamic international and interdisciplinary working environment
• Access to state-of-the-art animal facilities: New rodent facility opened in 2018 (including SOPF breeding area, SPF experimental areas and Germ-free units) and the aquatic facility opened in 2016 equipped with cutting-edge semi-automated installations
• Access to a state-of-the art imaging platform including super-resolution, selective plane illumination, confocal scanning and spinning disc microscopes, high-content screening systems (Yokogawa) as well as a new 3 photon microscope to arrive in 2023

In Short...

• Contract type: Permanent (the position at the Associate Professor level follows University of Luxembourg’s promotion-track career scheme and a possibility of promotion to Full Professor will be given after 5 years upon positive evaluation)
• Work hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Earliest starting date: 01.01.2024
• Location: Belval
• Job reference: UOL05965

How to apply...

We ensure a full consideration for applications received by 31.10.2023. Please mention the job post reference in the subject field.

The following documents (in English) are requested to be submitted:

• A detailed curriculum vitae with a list of publications, courses taught, research grants, industry collaborations and experience, patents, as well as management and administrative positions held
• A cover letter including a statement highlighting scientific, educational, and other activities of particular significance for this position
• A short research statement presenting future research lines
• A list of three references including their contact information and current positions. Please indicate their relationship to you; (the referees will be contacted only upon approval from the candidate)
• Any additional material highlighting significant publications, success in obtaining research funding, industry contacts and collaborations, experience in management positions within a university or research centre, as well as other relevant qualifications and achievements are appreciated

All applications will be handled in strictest confidence.

The University of Luxembourg is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Luxembourg wants to achieve gender parity in its academic positions and eliminate obstacles to the recruitment of female professors and to their career development. To fill this opening, we will focus on the recruitment of an outstanding female professor, even though the position is open to all applicants. In case candidates present equivalent CVs, the University will give the preference to women in all entities where gender parity is not yet achieved.

In return you will get…

• 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 …

• Find out more about the University
• Addresses, maps & routes to the various sites of the University

About the University of Luxembourg...

University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. The University was founded in 2003 and has more than 6,700 students and more than 2,000 employees from around the world. The University’s faculties and interdisciplinary centres focus on research in the areas of Computer Science andICT Security, Materials Science, European and International Law, Finance and Financial Innovation, Education, Contemporary and Digital History. In addition, the University focuses on cross-disciplinary research in the areas of Data Modelling and Simulation as well as Health and System Biomedicine. Times Higher Education ranks the University of Luxembourg #3 worldwide for its “international outlook,” #20 in the Young University Ranking 2021 and among the top 250 universities worldwide.

Living and working in Luxembourg…

Luxembourg has an extensive welfare system. It comprises a social security, health, and pension funds.

Among those benefits, there are various types of financial aids directly linked to the schooling and education of children: family allowance, birth allowance & children's future allowance. Further information: t.ly/aH3P.

The country counts with an extensive public education system that comprises as well International and European Schools. Further information: t.ly/1RyJ.

For more general information about living and working in Luxembourg including tips for accommodation, entry conditions/visas you can also view the Euraxess Researcher Guide: t.ly/IgJD.

For questions please contact:

Prof. Michael Heneka / Director of the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine / Campus Belval Biotech II 6, avenue du Swing L-4367 Belvaux / e-mail: LCSB.recruitment@uni.lu