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Scientist in Bacterial Genomics (m/f) Ref°382

TYPE DE CONTRAT : CDI - temps plein

 

The « Laboratoire National de Santé » (LNS) is seeking to recruit Scientist in Bacterial Genomics (Ref°382) for our Microbiology department on a permanent full-time position.

 

ABOUT THE LABORATOIRE NATIONAL DE SANTÉ

 

The « Laboratoire National de Santé » (LNS) is a public institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Health in Luxembourg. As a multidisciplinary institute, the LNS consists of four scientific departments in the fields of medical biology, microbiology, forensic medicine and health protection. In addition, the LNS is also hosting the National Center of Pathology and the National Center of Genetics. The LNS has its premises in Dudelange since 2013.

The mission of the LNS is to develop analytical and scientific expertise related to the prevention, diagnosis and monitoring of human diseases and to ensure the role of a national control or reference laboratory as well as to carry out forensic tasks. The institution also contributes to the development, harmonization and promotion of technical laboratory methods in close collaboration with local and international analytical laboratories. Within the scope of its responsibilities, the LNS is also leading research and teaching activities in collaboration with partners in Luxembourg and abroad.

With its modern infrastructure in line with the recent evolution of medical and analytical sciences, the LNS is an ambitious laboratory with innovative projects that increase its expertise in public health.

 

ABOUT THE MICROBIOLOGY DEPARTMENT

 

The department of Microbiology at the LNS has approximately 50 employees and is subdivided into three services:

  • Bacteriology, Mycology, antibiotic resistance and hospital hygiene
  • Virology and Serology
  • Pathogen Sequencing

The department of microbiology offers reference laboratory activities in partnership with various other public and private laboratories in the country. The department is nominated as National Reference Laboratory for Acute Respiratory Infections and HIV/HCV infections. At the same time, it works closely together with the Ministry of Health and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) on epidemiological matters, as well as the National Service for Infectious Diseases as far as diagnostics is concerned.

 

Your Responsibilities:

 

 

In the framework of our reference lab activities for foodborne pathogens and AMR diagnostics and surveillance, the candidate will be in charge of:

  • Implementing the standardization of the whole genome sequencing for typing and genomic characterization of bacteria according the new European standard ISO 23418:2022
  • Validating the quality of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) runs and optimizing technical protocols and operating procedures
  • Participating in comparative genomics analyses to identify core, accessory, and strain-specific genes of the isolated strains compared to already known strains.
  • Participating in European external quality control trials on WGS
  • Developing and applying Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies in clinical bacteriology
  • Participating in training EURL workshops abroad
  • Participating in new method development, test costing, method evaluation, test validation, writing of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and the occasional instruction of laboratorians, students and medical personnel in laboratory procedures.

 

Your profile:

 

  • A PhD in Biology, Microbiology, Genetics, Genetic Engineering or similar discipline, with at least 2 years of experience in pathogen genomics and/or bacterial genotyping ideally in a clinical setting
  • Experience working with enteric pathogens such as Salmonella, STEC, Campylobacter, ESBL Gram-negative is required
  • Experience in NGS library preparation for short-read and long-read sequencing for applications in bacteriology
  • Proven track record in molecular method development applied to clinical bacteriology
  • Experience with computational analyses, knowledge in using SeqSphere, Geneious or public online tools/platforms like Center for genomic epidemiology, AMRFinderPlus and Artemis is an asset.
  • Fluency in English and French
  • Highly motivated and creative with an interest in developing state-of-the-art molecular techniques
  • Strong analytical thinking
  • Team player and good communication skills

 

If you meet the above profile and wish to apply, please send your application (CV, letter of intent and copies of your degrees).

Your application will be treated confidentiality.

 

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.