Tejpar

The University of Luxembourg is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Bioinformatics & Cancer Biology to join a collaborative group investigating stromal-epithelial crosstalk in colorectal cancer. The position is based within the Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM), which is known for its multidisciplinary expertise and international character. The research team, led by Prof. Letellier at the University of Luxembourg and Prof. Tejpar at KU Leuven, focuses on understanding how fibroblasts transition into cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) subtypes and how these subtypes influence epithelial plasticity and immune responses, ultimately promoting tumor progression and therapy resistance. The successful candidate will apply advanced bioinformatics approaches to analyze single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics data from colorectal cancer patient samples, integrating these with co-culture organoid assays and in vivo models. The aim is to dissect the tumor microenvironment, with particular emphasis on epithelial cells, CAFs, and immune cells, profiling their heterogeneity, lineage plasticity, and evolutionary dynamics. The postdoctoral fellow will work jointly between the University of Luxembourg and KU Leuven, benefiting from access to data from active clinical trials and a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary environment. The position is part of the TARGET-SEC project, which seeks to identify novel therapeutic strategies targeting pro-tumorigenic stroma-epithelial interactions in colorectal cancer. The role includes coordinating experiments, conducting bioinformatics analyses, implementing new tools, ensuring scientific documentation, and presenting findings in consortium meetings and scientific publications. Applicants must have a PhD in a relevant discipline, strong computational skills (including proficiency in R and another scripting language), solid knowledge of biostatistics, and experience with single-cell sequencing and spatial omics. Experience in high-performance computing environments is preferred, as is a strong understanding of cancer biology, immunology, cell biology, and molecular biology. The position offers a fixed-term contract for 24 months, with a yearly gross salary of EUR 85,176, and is based at the Belval Campus. The University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Applications should be submitted online, including a CV, cover letter, and contact details for at least two referees. Early application is 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.