PhD Researcher: Early-Life Microbiome & Immune Development

University of Amsterdam; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday pay (8%)

End-of-year bonus (8.3%)

CAO NU applies

30% ruling may apply

Educational plan and courses

Teaching opportunities

Job summary

University of Amsterdam invites applications for a PhD position to study how the infant gut microbiome shapes immune development. Using the Gut-on-a-chip (GUMI), organoids, and omics, you will uncover microbial mediators of microbiota-immune interactions and contribute to interventions for better metabolic health.

You will work in an interdisciplinary team within SILS, with a four-year timeline and a starting preference of 1 January 2027, including teaching responsibilities and coursework.

Qualifications

• Hold, or be close to completing, an MSc in immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences or a closely related field.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication.
• Ability to plan and conduct experimental work independently while collaborating with colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Complete a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration (four years).
• 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 scientific publications and presentations within the project team.
• Contribute to teaching activities for Bachelor’s and Master’s students.

Skills

English communication

Independent experimentation

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Problem solving

Scientific writing

Education

MSc in immunology or related field

Job description

University of Amsterdam invites applications for a PhD position to study how the infant gut microbiome shapes immune development. Using the Gut-on-a-chip (GUMI), organoids, and omics, you will uncover microbial mediators of microbiota-immune interactions and contribute to interventions for better metabolic health.

You will work in an interdisciplinary team within SILS, with a four-year timeline and a starting preference of 1 January 2027, including teaching responsibilities and coursework.