2 Doctoral candidate (PhD student) positions in the field of RAS biology

The University About us...

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. The University was founded in 2003 and counts more than 6,700 students and more than 2,000 employees from around the world. The University's faculties and interdisciplinary centres focus on research in the areas of Computer Science and ICT Security, Materials Science, European and International Law, Finance and Financial Innovation, Education, Contemporary and Digital History. In addition, the University focuses on cross-disciplinary research in the areas of Data Modelling and Simulation as well as Health and System Biomedicine. Times Higher Education ranks the University of Luxembourg #3 worldwide for its “international outlook,” #20 in the Young University Ranking 2021 and among the top 250 universities worldwide.

The Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) contributes multidisciplinary expertise in the fields of Mathematics , Physics , Engineering , Computer Science , Life Sciences and Medicine. Through its dual mission of teaching and research, the FSTM seeks to generate and disseminate knowledge and train new generations of responsible citizens, in order to better understand, explain and advance society and environment we live in.

The University of Luxembourg has the following vacancy in the Cancer Cell Biology Group (Prof. Dr. Daniel Abankwa) at the Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine: 2 Doctoral candidate (PhD student) positions in the field of RAS biology.

Your Role...

The PhD students will work under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Daniel Abankwa from DLSM (University of Luxembourg, UL) together with Prof. Dr. Matthew J. Smith from IRIC (University of Montreal, UdeM), given that the thesis work will be conducted at the two locations. The students will be employed by UL and be associated with the Doctoral Programme in Systems and Molecular Biomedicine of UL.

The projects focus on understanding the regulation and structure of a major tumor suppressor complex in the RAS-pathway. We will employ a broad spectrum of techniques, including molecular cell biology, quantitative fluorescence methods, protein-biochemistry, structural biology and chemo-genetics.

Activities

Conduct self-driven experimental research in the area of RAS biochemistry

Participation in the doctoral programme, preparation of thesis and research articles

Opportunity to contribute to teaching at UL

What we expect from you…

Master's degree related to life sciences (e.g. chemistry or biochemistry)

Experience with cell culture, DNA- and protein purification-methods is a prerequisite

Curiosity, attention to detail, persistence and good organizational skills

Excellent command of English; French is beneficial

Offer...

Solid scientific training as a research professional in RAS biochemistry

International, cutting-edge research environments at UL and at IRIC of UdeM and a unique opportunity to divide doctoral training in two leading research institutes

In Short...

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month (extendable up to 48 months if required) / FNR-AFR bilateral PhD positions

Starting: Winter 2023/24

Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week

Employee and student status

Location: Belval

Job Reference: UOL05895

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 39953 (full time)

How to apply...

Applications should include:

Motivation letter (max. 0.5-1 page)

Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages, highlighting any outstanding achievements) with list of publications or manuscripts in preparation (if applicable) and details of MSc training

Copies of degree certificates and statement of courses and marks (“relevé de notes”)

The application documents should concisely reflect your level of academic excellence, strengths in biochemistry and contain a list of skills that have been independently performed.

We ensure a full consideration for applications received by 30 September 2023. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

In return you will get…

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 …

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Addresses, maps & routes to the various sites of the University

Further information...

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Daniel Abankwa ([email protected]) or Prof. Dr. Matthew J. Smith ([email protected]).