PhD Student (m/f)

PhD Student Ref°655 (m/f)

Type of contract: Full-time and determined duration contract (CDD)

We are currently looking for a PhD Student Ref°655 for a fixed-term position of 36 months on a full-time basis.

The National Center of Pathology and Department of Health Protection, Laboratoire National de Santé are seeking applications for a fully funded PhD position within an exciting EU consortium project. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge environmental health research by using histological, epigenetics and mass spectrometry techniques.

About the Laboratoire national de santé

The LNS is a major player in Luxembourg’s healthcare sector, serving the country’s patients, doctors and hospitals. Under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and Social Security, the LNS is a multidisciplinary public institution organized around six diagnostic departments, two of which are designated as national diagnostic centers for human genetics and pathology respectively.

The LNS employs around 400 highly qualified staff with diverse backgrounds. The main purpose of the LNS is to develop analytical activities and scientific expertise relating to the prevention, diagnosis and monitoring of human diseases; to act as a national control or reference laboratory; and to carry out forensic missions. The LNS also collaborates with the University of Luxembourg and other biomedical research institutions, both nationally and internationally, on research and teaching activities.

In particular, in the field of diagnostics, the LNS covers the following fields of application: medical biology, microbiology, forensic medicine, environmental medicine, morphological and molecular pathology, and clinical genetics, as well as sequencing for rare diseases, oncology and pathogens.

Project Description

The project seeks to uncover detailed mechanistic insights into how environmental stressors—including air pollution, noise, particulate matter, ultrafine particles, and aeroallergens—impact health. The focus is on identifying molecular pathways that connect these factors to chronic non-communicable diseases, with particular attention to the brain-heart axis.

The candidate will employ multiplexed immunohistochemistry, epigenetic analysis, and mass spectrometry to study samples from both mice and humans. Conducted in collaboration with European project partners, this research will offer a comprehensive understanding of health outcomes resulting from environmental exposures and contribute to identifying potential strategies for intervention.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-throughput multiplexed immunohistochemistry, epigenetic analyses, and mass spectrometry on samples from mice and humans.
• Collaborate with consortium partners to process, analyze, and interpret large-scale datasets, including multiplexed imaging and epigenomics data.
• Contribute to method development and optimization for sample preparation and data integration.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in the biomedical field with a strong interest in histology, molecular biology, and systems biology.
• Experience with histology, mass spectrometry, or epigenetics techniques is an advantage.
• Familiarity with handling animal or human samples is desirable.
• Experience with data analysis and bioinformatics, including familiarity with statistical tools or programming languages (e.g., R, Python) is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

What We Offer

• Access to state-of-the-art histology, epigenetics, proteomics facilities and data analysis tools.
• The opportunity to work within a dynamic, internationally recognised research environment.
• Collaboration with a diverse EU-funded consortium, providing extensive networking and professional development opportunities.

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about quality, but also want to be involved in the support of projects and processes, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and ideally a cover letter explaining your qualifications and interest in this role by applying to the position.

At the final stages of the recruitment process, the successful candidate will be asked to provide supporting documentation such as, copies of diplomas and certificates of employment. An official criminal record (bulletin no.3) will also be required for consultation purpose.