A six-month internship contract at the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology in Biodiscovery of Fungal Derived Bioactive Compounds

Internship Contract – 6 months in Biodiscovery of Fungal Derived Bioactive Compounds at The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology; Are you passionate about research? We are too! Our organization is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) with interests in materials, environmental science and information technology. Through the transformation of scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions, and businesses in their strategies.

Would you like to contribute as an intern?

Our department of Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN) is comprised of 200 life science, environmental science, and information technology researchers and engineers. We provide interdisciplinary expertise, knowledge, and technologies that enable us to lead solutions to the most pressing environmental challenges facing society, such as climate change mitigation, ecosystem resilience, sustainable energy systems, efficient use of renewable resources, and environmental pollution prevention and control.

Is your contribution to this project significant?

This research project seeks to discover novel bioactive metabolites and chemical scaffolds of fungal origin for biotechnological applications in the future. As part of this research, an “uncommon” fungal strain isolated in Luxembourg will be cultivated and metabolized to obtain metabolites. The metabolite extracts of this fungus have been shown to be highly antibiotic. Furthermore, this fungal species has never been studied before, increasing the chances of its bioactive molecules and chemical scaffolds being completely new.

The internship will be developed over a period of six months. The intern will:

New fungal species cultured

Preparation of crude metabolite extracts for biological activity tests

The crude metabolite extracts should be tested for antibacterial activity

Calculate the minimum active dose of bioactive crude extracts

To attempt purification and identification of the bioactive molecules, take the first steps

Upon completion of the internship, the student should have acquired knowledge and experience about microbes (fungi and bacteria) as well as basic skills in handling and producing metabolite extracts.

Is your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply today!

Insights into education

The master’s degree should be in a relevant discipline such as biochemistry or a similar field

Skills and experience

Microbiology, biochemistry, and chemistry are essential

A previous laboratory experience is an advantage

English proficiency is required

Benefits of LIST

A responsible and independent research organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe;

Designing a sustainable society that empowers our belief that we play a critical role in paving the way;

Infrastructures and labs of exceptional quality, including the Viswall, high-scale incubators, and top-of-the-line 3D/4D printing that allow us to excel in all we do;

With more than 45 nationalities represented in our workforce, we have a multicultural and international work environment;

Providing a diverse and inclusive work environment where our people can pursue their personal and professional goals;

Women in science need to be attracted, developed, and retained in a gender-friendly environment;

For a full-time internship, 32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, flexible working hours are provided.

The creation of an environment that promotes curiosity, innovation, and entrepreneurship across the board.

Procedures and conditions for applying:

As part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce, we kindly request applicants to provide their nationality only for statistical purposes. We will keep this information confidential and will not use it for discriminatory purposes.

The company is committed to hiring and retaining diverse employees and is an equal opportunity employer. Regardless of nationality, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age or disability, we value all applicants and will consider them for employment;

Until the position is filled, applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis;

Assessment committees will review applications and select candidates based on guidelines to ensure equal opportunity;

Applicants will be selected based on the degree to which their existing skills and expertise correspond to the above requirements.

Please contact Dr Silas VILLAS-BOAS (e-mail: silas.villas-boas@list.lu). More information about the supervisor can be found at: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0148-5882.

Online application

A motivation letter describing your experience and addressing the position’s requirements must be included with your application.