Our faculty’s research priority area “Systems Biology of Host-Microbiome Interactions” tries to unravel this enigma. It extends to the Amsterdam University Medical Centre (Amsterdam UMC) and the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, and has a strong foundation in the Microbiology theme of The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS). In this context we are seeking for a PhD candidate to do research on the molecular biology and microbial physiology of the interaction between gut dwelling microorganisms and their host. The student will be based in the MBMFS group of SILS and will be daily supervised by the new Tenure Track Assistant Professor dr. Jianbo Zhang. Ongoing studies of our group focus on the generation of a minimal microbiome with representatives from the Firmicutes, Bacteroides, Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Actinobacteria from human origin. This minimal microbiome can be cultured in the laboratory and interrogated at relevant ‘omics’ level readouts as a function of environmental and host cues. The PhD student will interact with other PhD students in the ongoing projects where the role of the microbiome in the development of inflammatory bowel disease as well as neurological cognitive development are being studied.
What are you going to do
- You will identify key mechanisms driving interactions between the human host and keystone gut microbes both as single species and in consortia.
- With the arrival in Amsterdam of the gut microphysiological system, GUMI, you will combine this new system with organoid technology to probe microbial behaviour and function as well as host cell/tissue response at the molecular and cellular level.
- You will use the expertise gained with single species culturing of strictly anaerobic bacteria with healthy gut in the GUMI (Zhang et al. 2021 Med, Cell Press) to analyse interactions under diseased and immune-competent conditions and at consortia level.
For the analysis of interaction variables you can use all appropriate ‘omics’ and many microscopy techniques (super-resolution microscopy, live-imaging options, confocal imaging and electron microscopy) as they are available at our institute.
What do we require
- A MSc degree in molecular microbiology, molecular biology, or a related field is required.
- The ideal candidate has proven experimental skills and a good academic record.
- Being able to work in a team both as specialist and team player.
- Fluency in English, both oral and written, is expected.
Our offer
A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended to a total duration of 4 years). This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.
Based on a full-time appointment (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from €2,395 in the first year to €3,061 (scale P) in the last year. This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.
Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? Take a look here.
About us
The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 7,000, as well as 1,600 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.
The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is one of the Faculty of Science’s largest institutes. Its approximately 240 scientists and staff members work in 16 research groups that perform excellent research centred on four themes: Cell & Systems Biology, Neurosciences, Microbiology and Green Life Sciences.
Within the Research theme Microbiology the molecular mechanisms involved in food preservation, infections, antibiotic production as well as global recycling of nutrients and energy are being studied. The theme works on microbiomes in man and plants as well as novel ways to employ microbes for biotechnological applications. Finally, staff members develop techniques to prevent growth of microbial pathogens, and develop novel ways to employ microbes for biotechnological applications
Questions
Do you have questions about this vacancy? Or do you want to know more about our organisation? Please contact:
- Prof. Stanley Brul
T. + 31 (0)6 1305 4109
Job application
The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.
Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 14 July 2021. You can apply online by using the link below.
Applications in .pdf should include:
- a motivation letter;
- a CV, including a list of publications and the contact information for at least two academic referees (ideally including your Msc Thesis supervisor) including e-mail addresses who can be contacted to evaluate your abilities and potential;
- contact information (name and email) of max. two academic references;
- A specification of the laboratory techniques you are familiar with.
We will invite potential candidates for a first round of interviews between 15 July and 15 Augustus.
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