Postdoc in Neuroinflammation and Nigrostriatal Assembloids
Published on 10/03/2026
Université du Luxembourg
- Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette
- Research & Development
About us
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.
Your role
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to carry out the experimental implementation of a research project aimed at characterizing patient-derived microglia-integrated nigrostriatal assembloids to investigate neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) and to evaluate therapeutic modulation of neuroinflammatory pathways.
This position centers on establishing and systematically characterizing microglia-containing nigrostriatal assembloids to dissect the interplay between neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration and α-synuclein pathology. The research combines advanced 3D stem cell modeling, neuroimmune interaction studies, high-content imaging, molecular and biochemical analyses and the evaluation of immunomodulatory therapeutic strategies in MSA.
Key responsibilities:
- Generation, maintenance and differentiation of human iPSCs into midbrain and striatum organoids, nigrostriatal assembloids and microglia
- Integration of microglia into assembloid systems and optimization of co-culture conditions
- Phenotypic characterization of disease-relevant features, including neuronal loss, microglial activation and astroglial responses, α-synuclein pathology
- Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy, high-content imaging, quantitative image analysis, SDS-PAGE and Western blot
- Testing of candidate compounds
- Contribution to single-nucleus RNA sequencing and transmission electron microscopy workflows and data interpretation in collaboration with partners
- Data analysis, figure preparation, manuscript and report drafting and presentation of results at international conferences
- Participation in regular project meetings and interaction with consortium partners
Your profile
Required qualifications:
- PhD in neuroscience, stem cell biology, neurobiology, molecular biology or a related field
- Strong hands-on experience with human iPSC culture and neural differentiation
- Proven expertise in organoid models or complex stem cell-derived systems
- Solid background in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation
- Experience with advanced microscopy and quantitative image analysis
- Demonstrated ability to independently conduct and troubleshoot complex experimental workflows
- Strong scientific writing skills
- Fluency in English
Desirable skills:
- Experience with microglia differentiation or neuroimmune co-culture systems
- Background in α-synuclein biology and synucleinopathies
- Familiarity with multi-omics approaches, e.g., snRNA-seq
- Experience with image quantification software and/or basic data analysis in R or Python
- Experience working in interdisciplinary and international research environments
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 detailing your motivation for applying to the advertised research topic and/or project, including how your background, interests, and career goals align with its objective
- PhD diploma or a letter/information indicating the expected defense date
- Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
- List of publications
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 30 Month
- Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
- Location: Belval Campus
- Internal Title: Postdoctoral researcher
- Job Reference: UOL08075
The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is EUR 85176 (full time).