Postdoc on SARS-CoV-2 gut pathogenesis and Long COVID

About the LCSB

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB) is an interdisciplinary research centre of the University of Luxembourg.
We conduct fundamental and translational research in the field of Systems Biology and Biomedicine - in the lab, in the clinic and in silico. We focus on neurodegenerative processes and are especially interested in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and their contributing factors. The LCSB recruits talented scientists from various disciplines: computer scientists, mathematicians, biologists, chemists, engineers, physicists and clinicians from more than 50 countries currently work at the LCSB. We excel because we are truly interdisciplinary, and together we contribute to science and society.

The Systems Ecology group at the LCSB is further expanding its research efforts on microbiomes and has an immediate opening for a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher (entry- to advanced-level position) to work on the resolution of microbiome dynamics and its links to SARS-CoV2 presence and load in the gut.

Area: Computational study of gut microbiome-borne dynamics in health and disease

This project is a close collaboration between

• the Systems Ecology group, head: Paul Wilmes, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg
• the Translational and Clinical Immunology group, head: Markus Ollert, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg
• the Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, project head: Lucia Grenga, Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives, France

Your role

You will perform comparative meta-omic analysis of the gut microbiome, correlate microbiota dynamics with the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and its load within the gastrointestinal tract, and analyse the Ig-coated, especially IgA-coated, bacteria from patient faecal samples as a surrogate marker for the perturbation of anti-microbiome Ig responses.

You will closely interact with project partners at the Luxembourg Institute of Health and the Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé to study whether and how the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the gastrointestinal tract impacts the host-associated gut microbiota by establishing the dynamics of the gut microbiota of COVID-19 patients and controls, and comparing these to identify microbiota fingerprints as a function of the SARS-CoV-2 load and disease progression.

You will furthermore support data management and analysis on servers of the group as well as the University of Luxembourg's High Performance Computing Cluster.

Important technical competencies and tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Experienced in statistical analysis of omics-based data
• Experienced in sequence-based and/or structure-based functional annotation of microbial genomes, including also metagenome-assembled genomes
• Prior work with virulence factors (in silico/in vitro), viral pathogens (in silico/in vitro), and/or antigens (in silico/in vitro) is considered an asset
• Implementation of reproducible computational workflows (using snakemake, nextflow, etc.)
• Collaborative code development using Git and GitHub/GitLab
• End-to-end processing (QC, preprocessing, processing, data analysis) of at least one of the following data types: metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metaproteomics, metametabolomics, is considered an asset
• Familiarity with UNIX/LINUX-based operating systems and shared compute infrastructure

Your profile

• A PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Analytical Chemistry, Microbial Ecology, or related disciplines
• Dry-laboratory experience
• Experience in translating dry-lab experience to wet-lab experiments is considered an important asset
• Previous experience in bioinformatic analysis of mixed microbial communities or Systems Biology datasets in at least one computer programming or scripting language (Python, R, Ruby, etc.) will be considered assets
• A good working knowledge of basic statistical concepts
• Highly reliable and precise work style
• Great organizational skills and willingness to work independently in phases of potentially little guidance from supervisor
• Excellent working knowledge of English

Prior supervision activities, e.g., undergraduate or graduate students, will be considered an asset.

We offer

• 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 …

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 24 Month, with the possibility of extension up to a total of 5 years
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Campus Belval
• Internal Title: Postdoctoral researcher
• Job Reference: UOL07039

The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is EUR 83099 (full time).