PhD Candidate: Infant Gut Microbiome–Immune Development

Uva; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 38,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Amsterdam (UvA) is seeking a highly motivated candidate to perform a PhD on how the infant gut microbiome shapes immune development. The project combines gut-on-a-chip technology, organoid models and omics to reveal microbial signals that influence immune maturation.

The role involves independent experimentation, interdisciplinary collaboration, data analysis and dissemination of results. The position includes a 4-year contract with PhD dissertation outcome and teaching activities

Qualifications

• Hold or near completion of an MSc in immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences or closely related field.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken.
• Ability to plan and perform experimental work independently while collaborating in an interdisciplinary team.
• Curiosity, problem-solving skills and persistence to address complex research questions.
• Ability to document, analyze and communicate research results clearly and responsibly.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments on maternal factors, infant gut microbiota and intestinal health.
• Culture and characterize infant gut microbes using the GUMI platform and complementary methods.
• Use organoid and immune-competent gut-microbe co-culture models.
• Analyze omics and experimental data to identify key bacterial species, metabolites and genes.
• Communicate results through publications, presentations and collaborations within the project team.

Skills

Independent work

Interdisciplinary collaboration

English communication

Problem solving

Documentation

Education

MSc in immunology

MSc in microbiology

MSc in molecular biology

MSc in biochemistry

MSc in biomedical sciences

Tools

GUMI platform

Organoids

Flow cytometry

Omics data analysis

Job description

University of Amsterdam (UvA) is seeking a highly motivated candidate to perform a PhD on how the infant gut microbiome shapes immune development. The project combines gut-on-a-chip technology, organoid models and omics to reveal microbial signals that influence immune maturation.

The role involves independent experimentation, interdisciplinary collaboration, data analysis and dissemination of results. The position includes a 4-year contract with PhD dissertation outcome and teaching activities