Research Support Engineer in Photonics, Soft & Biological Materials and Microbial Biotechnology

Your role

• Provide technical and experimental support for research activities within the MicroPAS project
• Assist in the design, assembly, operation, and maintenance of optical and photonic instrumentation
• Support experiments involving soft materials, chemical analysis and chanracterisation, biophotonic systems, microbial cultures, and bio-inspired materials
• Perform sample preparation, cultivation, handling, and characterisation of microorganisms and biological materials
• Contribute to microscopy, spectroscopy, chemical analysis, and data acquisition workflows
• Manage laboratory infrastructure, equipment maintenance, inventories, and safety procedures
• Support field research campaigns and scientific measurements in Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Germany
• Assist with data management, documentation, and preparation of technical reports
• Contribute to the training and support of students and researchers working within the project
• Participate in the implementation of best laboratory practices and quality assurance procedures

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with expertise in Photonics, Soft and Biological Materials, Chemical synthesis and analysis, and/or Microbial Biotechnology to support cutting-edge interdisciplinary research at the interface of bio-inspired photonic systems, physics, materials science and microbiology.

The Research Support Engineer will play a central role in establishing, maintaining, and supporting experimental activities within the project while contributing to the development of new research protocols and management of relevant scientific infrastructure. The successful candidate will join an international and multidisciplinary research team investigating how microorganisms interact with light across multiple spatial and temporal scales, with applications ranging from fundamental biological physics to sustainable biophotonic technologies.

For further information about the role, please contact Prof. Dr. Anupam Sengupta, Principal Investigator, MicroPAS. E-mail: anupam.sengupta@uni.lu

Your profile

• Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in Photonics, Materials Science, Biophysics, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Bioengineering, or a closely related discipline
• Demonstrated hands-on laboratory experience in at least two of the following areas:
  • Photonics, optical instrumentation, spectroscopy
  • Bottom-up chemical synthesis, characterization, analytical chemistry
  • Soft matter and/or biological materials
  • Chemical microbiology and/or Microbial biotechnology
• Experience in chemical synthesis and characterisation, operating scientific instrumentation and laboratory equipment
• Basic understanding of biochemistry, chemical microbiology and microbial biotechnology
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Luxembourgish, German and/or French will be a plus

Desirable Qualifications:

• Willingness to travel for fieldwork and scientific campaigns
• Experience with microscopy, spectroscopy, optical characterisation, or imaging techniques
• Knowledge of microbial cultivation, sterile techniques, and biological sample preparation
• Familiarity with laboratory data acquisition and analysis software
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and quality management procedures
• Previous experience supporting interdisciplinary research projects

The position is highly interdisciplinary in nature: individuals applying for the position should have demonstrated ability and desire to multi-task across different disciplines, techniques and responsibilities.

We offer

• A modern, dynamic university with a personal and inclusive atmosphere. Multilingual and international character. Staff coming from more than 90 countries. Member of The Guild of European Research Intensive Universities
• An exceptional research environment, supported by skilled staff and high-quality equipment. Strong links to professional sectors and the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban campus with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and a wide range of non-academic partners including ministries, local governments, associations, and NGOs

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae, detailing work experience in laboratory-related activities
• Cover letter
• PDF version of your Bachelor, Master and/or Ph.D. Thesis (file should be no larger than 20MB)
• A copy of the relevant diplomas showing marks, indicating the grading system
• List of publications (if applicable) or work samples, or any additional document demonstrating relevant technical expertise or training
• Names, contact information and current position of three referees who can, upon request, provide an assessment of the application. Please indicate their relationship to you

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 12 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Limpertsberg Campus
• Internal Title: Research support engineer
• Job Reference: UOL08293

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About the FSTM

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) at the University of Luxembourg 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 Research Support Engineer role will be supported by the ERC Consolidator Grant Project MicroPAS – Microbial Photonics Across Scales, within the Physics of Living Matter Group, directed by Prof. Anupam Sengupta. MicroPAS aims to uncover and engineer microbial photonic phenomena across scales, integrating concepts from soft matter physics, photonics, microbiology, and materials science. The project combines extensive laboratory experimentation, advanced microscopy, microbial cultivation, optical characterisation, together with field-based investigations in Switzerland and Germany.