Ref LXI_MSCA_49 - Postdoc candidate for a MSCA PF in Forensic Toxicology of Cannabis, Synthetic Cannabinoids, Illicit Drugs, Chemotaxonomy and Toxicopharmacology in particular in Hair Samples

The Laboratoire National de Santé (LNS) is interested in hosting a postdoctoral fellow within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship programme.

Project idea

Development of an integrated analytical workflow, and chemotaxonomic approach, possibly based on metabolites, extending from phytocannabinoids to synthetic cannabinoids (e.g. derivatives of dibenzopyran, derivatives of cyclohexylphenol, eicosanoids, aminoalkylindoles). Metabolic fingerprint and chemotaxonomy of different types of phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids can be extended from plant materials to different types of derivative materials, but also to human specimens. Study of the metabolites using in vitro liver extracts or microsomes could be envisaged.

Collaboration with other LNS departments would allow a successful candidate to add research components, such as (i) culture and exposure of human small airway epithelial cells to oil extracts of different chemovars, and examination of gene expression responses, (ii) NMR spectroscopy for further chemical profiling. Other ideas, aiming at preanalytical robustness and validation, would be welcome.

This is a unique opportunity to implement your research project idea in a multidisciplinary institute that combines an accredited environment with the highest technical standards of research infrastructure. You will be able to develop your idea as a proof-of-concept at national scale, while being trained in laboratory method validation according to international accreditation standards. Your experience at LNS will open-up career opportunities in a range of laboratories, including not only pure research, but also scientific police, forensic laboratories or cannabis industry laboratories.

Offer Requirements

PhD with 1-5 years post-PhD experience in some or all of the following domains: analytical chemistry, toxicology, GC-MS, LC/MS-MS, HPLC, molecular extractions, and biostatistics, and with a keen interest in forensic toxicology.

Autonomous, dynamic, able to work in a multi-cultural environment and ready to take advantage of a unique opportunity to lead a molecular forensic toxicology project, with potential downstream application at national level.

Institute description

The LNS is a public institute operating under the supervision of the Ministry of Health in Luxembourg, combining the role of a national reference laboratory with that of a research institution. Organized as a multidisciplinary institute, it includes six scientific departments in the fields of anatomic and molecular forensic pathology, genetics, medical biology, forensic medicine, health protection, and microbiology. The mission of the LNS is to develop analytical and scientific expertise related to prevention, diagnosis and monitoring of human diseases and to ensure the role of a national control or reference laboratory.

The institute contributes to the development, standardization and promotion of innovative laboratory methods, often in collaboration with other local and foreign analytical laboratories. Within the scope of its responsibilities, the LNS also undertakes research and teaching activities, in collaboration with ad hoc partners in Luxembourg and abroad. With its modern infrastructure and advanced equipment, the LNS is an ambitious laboratory with innovative projects and long-standing expertise in public health and forensics. The Legal Medicine Department of LNS conducts a large spectrum of forensic pathology / forensic imaging, genetic identification, forensic toxicology and drug analytical toxicology activities.

The laboratory is located in a new building, with a dynamic team and cutting-edge equipment. Capacity includes Agilent single quadrupoles GC-MS, GC-MS/HS/FID, HPLC/UV/MS, HPLC/QTOF/MS, HPLC Ultimate 3000, FRX Thermo Scientific SPECTRACE ARL QUANT’X EDXRF Analyzer, Karl Fischer titrator instruments, molecular extraction systems, 8-capillary genetic analyzer, Metrohm titration software, Biosilicium LIMS. There is also access to a Computed Tomography (CT) unit. The department is composed of 40 highly trained staff, including 3 certified forensic pathologists, and 10 PhD scientists. The cannabis laboratory is fully operational in the full spectrum of cannabis analyses (potency, profiling, pesticides, metals, terpens, mycotoxins, moisture, solvents). Forensic toxicology research is mainly focused on alcohol markers in hair and pitfalls in hair testing.

About Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowship

The MSCA PF are postdoctoral fellowships, financed through the European Commission for 2 year positions, covering salary and research costs of the researchers, who can come from anywhere in the world. The evaluation process of these programmes is more about the project and the career development of the candidate, than his/her publication record. The organizations in Luxembourg that want to host such talented researchers include large public research organizations as well as private companies that offer interesting job perspectives after completion of the fellowship.

Minimal eligibility criteria

• Individual: applicant applies together with host institute
• PhD at the deadline (PhD date cannot be more than 8 years ago)
• Not working or living in Luxembourg for longer than 12 months before the call deadline
• For rules see here or contact your NCP

How to apply

Please fill out the application form until May 15^th 2021 – please note that we cannot accept applications without the application form. We need your CV with a list of publications and if relevant a short project proposal (maximum 3 pages) as well as the offer reference you are interested in. You can also send several fine-tuned CVs if you are interested in multiple positions – please fill out a new application form in that case. Make sure you address the text and requirements mentioned by the respective hosts.

Please note that applications are made through Luxinnovation, your contact point for Horizon Europe in Luxembourg, before being handed over to the host company.

Don’t hesitate to contact us, if you have any questions.

Luxinnovation, the Luxembourgish Innovation agency and National Contact Point for MSCA, will support both you and your future host institute during your application phase. For all applicants coming to Luxembourg we offer guidance documents, webinars, training in proposal writing and we will review your proposals if you wish so (depending on our availability). In 2019, MSCA IF proposals from Luxembourg had an average success rate of 28.5%, and proposals reviewed by our service 42%.

More information can be found on our website.

See other similar positions here.

KEYWORDS

• Cannabis
• Synthetic Cannabinoids
• Illicit Drugs
• Chemotaxonomy
• Toxicopharmacology
• Hair

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