Elisabeth Letellier

The University of Luxembourg is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for the INFECTOME Project, focusing on the mechanisms by which the human microbiome influences cancer. The Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) offers a multidisciplinary and international research environment. The project aims to systematically characterize and validate microbiome-borne virulence factors (VFs), including toxins, antimicrobial resistance genes, and biosynthetic gene clusters, using in silico, in vitro, and in vivo approaches. The research will expand understanding of the infective competence of the human microbiome and its functional role in health and disease, with a particular emphasis on cancer. The project is funded by the National Research Fund (FNR) and involves collaboration with Prof. Paul Wilmes (Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine), Rob Finn (EMBL-EBI, UK), and Kim Remans (EMBL, Germany). The successful candidate will work within the MDM group at UL, responsible for validating identified VFs and investigating their mechanisms using cancer models. Responsibilities include determining the effects of VFs through various assays, developing new methods, managing and analyzing data, presenting results at consortium meetings and conferences, and preparing publications. Applicants must have a PhD in Biological Sciences or a related field, with preferred postdoctoral experience. Required skills include cell culture (including 3D models), protein assays, molecular biology techniques (PCR, FACS, Western blotting), and proficiency in English. Experience with animal experiments and imaging techniques is advantageous. The position offers a fixed-term contract (12 months), full-time employment, and a yearly gross salary of EUR 85,176. The University of Luxembourg provides a modern, international, and inclusive environment with high-quality equipment and strong ties to industry and society. Applications should be submitted online, including a CV, cover letter, and contact details of two referees. Early applications are encouraged.

Postdoctoral Researcher in Translational Cancer Bioinformatics at the University of Luxembourg (Belval Campus, Luxembourg) is an interdisciplinary postdoctoral opportunity focused on translational colorectal cancer research. The project is embedded in a collaborative effort between the MDM group at the University of Luxembourg , led by Prof. Elisabeth Letellier , and the laboratory of Prof. Tejpar at KU Leuven . The research investigates stromal-epithelial crosstalk in colorectal cancer, with particular attention to cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), epithelial plasticity, immune responses, and therapy resistance. The successful candidate will contribute to the TARGET-SEC project, which aims to identify novel therapeutic strategies targeting pro-tumorigenic stroma-epithelial interactions. This postdoctoral role combines bioinformatics , cancer biology , and single-cell / spatial omics . The fellow will analyze patient-derived and clinical-trial data using advanced computational approaches, and will help decode how healthy colon fibroblasts transition into CAF subtypes and how these subtypes influence tumor progression. The work integrates spatial transcriptomics , single-cell RNA sequencing , organoid co-culture assays, and in vivo models to study the tumor ecosystem in colorectal cancer. Key responsibilities include coordinating experiments for the TARGET-SEQ project, conducting bioinformatics analyses, implementing new computational tools, documenting results and protocols, participating in consortium meetings, and contributing to scientific publications and general laboratory tasks. The position is supported by a dedicated technician for experimental work. The University of Luxembourg highlights a modern, international, multilingual research environment with strong infrastructure and collaborative links to academic, clinical, and non-academic partners. The post is a fixed-term contract for 24 months with a full-time salary of EUR 87,306 gross per year . Applicants should hold a PhD in Biological Sciences, Data Science, Computational Biology, or a related field. Experience as a postdoctoral researcher is preferred. Strong skills in R and another scripting language such as Python, solid biostatistics knowledge, experience with single-cell sequencing data, preferably spatial omics, HPC experience, and a strong understanding of cancer biology, immunology, cell biology, and molecular biology are expected. Excellent English (C1), strong organization, and peer-reviewed publication experience are also required. To apply, candidates must submit a CV, cover letter describing their motivation and fit with the project, PhD diploma or expected defense information, university transcripts, a publication list, and contact details for at least two referees. Applications must be submitted online via the HR system; email applications will not be considered. Early application is strongly encouraged because applications are processed as they are received.