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Job Wageningen UR (University & Research centre) - PhD Nutrition and Health

PhD Nutrition and Health

Job description

 A PhD student, within the Division of Human Nutrition, in a project as part of a visiting professorship (Prof dr Daniel Tomé, AgroParisTech, Paris, France), hosted by the division and supported by the Dutch Dairy Association (NZO). Within the framework of this visiting professorship the “influence of dietary protein on gene expression, metabolic phenotype and nutrient signaling in the gut-liver axis and its implication for protein synthesis and energy nutrient homeostasis, feeding behavior, body composition and metabolic disorders” will be evaluated.

Excess accumulation of fat in adipose tissue and in non-adipose tissue such as skeletal muscle and the liver is considered a crucial factor in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and the metabolic syndrome. Increasing protein intake has beneficial metabolic effects, but also modulates fat-induced inflammation and steatosis. The liver is the first organ which comes into contact with the various molecules arising from gut digestion. Nutrients and metabolites delivered from the intestine are sensed in the liver and trigger an adaptation of liver function. In this PhD project the potential beneficial effect on increasing protein in the diet will be assessed, in order to prevent dysfunction and damage in the gut-liver axis and to improve liver steatosis, glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, adiposity and body composition. Studies are carried out in healthy humans and in patients with non alcoholic fatty liver disease.

The PhD student will participate in the overall coordination of the human research and will be involved in the experiments conducted in collaboration between Wageningen (Dr Marco Mensink and colleagues) and Paris (Prof dr Daniel Tomé and colleagues). Beside the PhD student also a Postdoc is working within this research program.

Requirements

We are looking for an enthousiastic and creative researcher, with

• 
  a Master in Nutrition and Health, Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Medicine or other related discipline.
  


• Affinity with metabolic research.


• Experience with human research and in vivo physiological measurements is an advantage.


• Ability to work in a team and to initiate, organize and coordinate research activities.


• Good social and verbal skills.


• Excellent in English writing and oral communication; good Dutch communication skills are a clear advantage.


• Strong internal drive to excel and succeed.

 

Conditions of employment

We offer you a temporary position for a period of 1.5 years with extension of 2.5 years after successful evaluation. Gross salary per month € 2042 in the first year rising up to € 2612 per month in the fourth year. 

We not only offer a competitive salary but also good (study) leave and a pension of the ABP Pension Fund.

Wageningen UR uses a so-called cafeteria model (Optare) that makes it possible to vary the conditions of employment.

We think it is important to have a good balance between work and private life. Depending on the specific job and working place, this balance can be made possible in various ways, for example, flexible working hours, working part time or the possibility of taking sabbatical leave.
 
Additional information:
Additional information can be obtained from Dr. Marco Mensink, Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, tel. +31 317 82646.

Information on the position: Dhr. R. van Meegen, HRM, Agrotechnology and Food Sciences Group, tel. +31 317 485466.
 
Interested?
You can apply online until August 14th 2010 at http://www.werkenbij.wur.nl.

 
 

Contract type

Temporary

Tijdelijk dienstverband

Organisation

Wageningen UR (University & Research centre)

Wageningen University and Research centre (Wageningen UR) is a leading international organization. Within the field of healthy nutrition and living environment we are working on the quality of life. We are always looking for talented colleagues. Professionals with passion who want to work with us for the world of tomorrow.

 
The Agrotechnology & Food Sciences Group is part of Wageningen UR where fundamental and applied sciences complement each other. As an important European player, we carry out top-level research and work alongside authoritative partners within the international business world as well as the government on “Healthy food in a biobased society”. We have a crucial role in innovations within the market. Entrepreneurship and professionalism are what define us. In short, we are an interesting, international employer of stature.

Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciated.

Additional information

AFSG-vacatures@wur.nl

 

The short URL code for this job opening is: 5784
Direct link to this job www.academictransfer.com/5784