Postdoctoral Researcher in Translational Cancer Bioinformatics

Your role

We seek a postdoctoral fellow with a strong background in bioinformatics and cancer biology and a passion for investigating the role of the tumor microenvironment, in particular CAF-driven epithelial plasticity, using advanced experimental models. The primary research focus will be to define how fibroblasts from healthy colon tissue transition into distinct CAF subtypes and how these subtypes regulate epithelial plasticity and immune responses, promoting tumor progression and therapy resistance. This work will integrate spatial transcriptomics, advanced co-culture organoid assays, and in vivo models to decode the mechanisms underlying CAF-driven CRC evolution. Access to single cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics data from active clinical trials through the group of Prof Tejpar will put the postdoc in an ideal position to understand how the stromal interactions change under current novel treatments and could be harnessed as future therapies.

Main responsibilities:

• Coordinate experiments for the TARGET-SEQ project
• Conduct bioinformatics analysis and implement new tools
• Collect, interpret, and analyse research related data and results
• Ensure proper scientific documentation, e.g. protocols, reports
• Document performed experiments and analyses in a lab book
• Participate and present obtained data in bi-monthly consortium meetings
• Present the data in scientific publications
• Contribute to general tasks in the laboratory

The postdoctoral fellow will focus on applying innovative bioinformatics approaches to human-relevant models and unique patient-derived tissue cohorts from colorectal cancer. The aim is to dissect the tumor “ecosystem” with a particular emphasis on epithelial cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and immune cells, and to comprehensively profile their phenotypic and functional heterogeneity, lineage plasticity, and evolutionary dynamics. These insights will help advance our understanding of colorectal cancer development, progression, and therapeutic response.

For all in vitro and in vivo experiments, the Postdoctoral Fellow will be supported by a dedicated technician, who will be recruited concurrently for this project. The position will be jointly based in the Letellier and Tejpar laboratories, with close collaboration across research groups and clinical partners.

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Letellier: Elisabeth.letellier@uni.lu

Your profile

• PhD in Biological Sciences, Data Science, Computational Biology, or a related discipline
• Preferably with prior professional experience as a Postdoctoral Researcher
• Strong computational background with proficiency in R and at least one additional scripting language, e.g., Python
• Solid knowledge of biostatistics
• Experience with single-cell sequencing data and preferentially with spatial omics
• Working in high-performance computing environments is highly preferred
• Good understanding of cancer biology, immunology, cell biology, and molecular biology is required
• Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent command in English (C1) is required

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
• Cover letter detailing your motivation for applying to the advertised research topic and/or project, including how your background, interests, and career goals align with its objective
• PhD diploma or a letter/information indicating the expected defense date
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
• List of publications
• The name and contact details of at least two referees

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 24 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Belval Campus
• Internal Title: Postdoctoral researcher
• Job Reference: UOL08447

The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is EUR 87306 (full time).

About us

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 the environment we live in.

Our collaborative group, composed of the MDM group at the University of Luxembourg, led by Prof. Letellier and the laboratory of Prof. Tejpar at the KU Leuven, investigates stromal–epithelial crosstalk in colorectal cancer (CRC) initiation, progression and therapy resistance. Using state-of-the-art single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) and spatial transcriptomics on CRC patient samples, we have identified novel epithelial cell states and distinct cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) subpopulations.

The postdoctoral fellow will work jointly between the University of Luxembourg and the KU Leuven, benefiting from a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary environment, and contributing to the TARGET-SEC project’s overarching goal of identifying novel therapeutic strategies targeting pro-tumorigenic stroma–epithelial interactions in CRC.