Internship contract | Belvaux | 6 Months

Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.

Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: https://www.list.lu/

How will you contribute?

During this internship, the performances of a new microfluidic qPCR system will be evaluated. The system features autonomous sampling every 6 hours, on-board sample processing (filtration, lysis, nucleic acid extraction), real-time qPCR detection (4-plex capability), and cloud-based data transmission. The analytical performance of such system will be evaluated for a series of three selected respiratory viruses (Influenza, RSV and SARS-CoV-2) and three selected bacterial pathogens (Campylobacter jejuni, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella pneumophila). Initial implementation phase will be done in laboratory conditions will artificially contaminated tap water. Next, measurements will be taken on site, along with the collection of grab or composite samples taken simultaneously, which will then be analysed in the laboratory using PCR within 24 to 48 hours, according to protocols that have already been validated internally. Performance metrics will be (i) Analytical sensitivity (proportion of laboratory-positive samples correctly detected by Kraken™ (true positive rate)), (ii) Analytical specificity (proportion of laboratory-negative samples correctly identified as negative (true negative rate)), (iii) Agreement between methods, (iv) Limit of detection (lowest concentration reliably detected (95% hit rate)), (v) Time to result (hours from sample collection to reportable result), and (vi) Operational reliability. A technical report detailing system performance, operational constraints (temperature ranges, matrix limitations), maintenance requirements, and recommendations for future deployment scenarios (e.g., wastewater/surface water/drinking water monitoring, recreational water management) will be written.

The intern’s responsibilities will be:

• Experimental design

• Implementing automated assays for a series of selected pathogens

• Collecting wastewater samples

• Preparing water samples for analysis

• Detecting viruses and bacteria in water samples

• Comparing analytical methods (automated real-time detection with classical molecular assays)

• Conducting literature reviews

• Writing an internship report

The skills developed during the internship will include:

• Independence in laboratory work

• Fundamental knowledge of waterborne pathogens

• Expertise in RT-ddPCR and molecular biology,

• Literature review,

• Writing skills,

• Scientific communication in an international context

Is your profile described below? Are you our future trainee? Apply now!

Education

Cursus Master 2 in microbiology

Experience and skills

• Knowledges in microbiology, virology, molecular biology and environmental sciences

• Good ability in lab experiments, literature review and scientific report writing

Language skills

• Fluency in French and/or English both oral and written.

Your LIST benefits

• An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects

• Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society

• Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do

• An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas

• Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 nationalities represented in our workforce

• Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions

• Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science

• 32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays

Apply online

Your application must include:

• A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

Application procedure and conditions

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.

LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.

Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.