The primary focus of this PhD proposal will be on the relation and interaction of the gut mycobiome and virome with the bacterial microbiota, and modulation thereof. Modulation is anticipated through the use of (functional) food(component)s. This will be assessed using a sophisticated, computer controlled in vitro model of the gastrointestinal tract (TIM) and subsequently validated in clinical trials. A brief background is given below the contract information.

To complete our team, we are looking for a PhD student having preferably experience with microbiological skills at laboratory scale in a pioneering setting and with a strong basis in nutritional expertise and research.

The PhD student will furthermore support Bachelor and Master students in their laboratory work, and support educational tasks in the framework of the Campus Venlo educational programs. Didactic or educational experience is a plus.

Requirements

The ideal candidate should distinguish him/herself with:

-         Experience in a scientific laboratory setting

-         Strong nutritional and microbiologyskills, focusing on anaerobic growth of gut bacteria, yeasts and fungi, and replication of viruses

-         A pioneering, creative and constructive mindset

-         A “can do” and “hands-on” mentality for further development of the lab

-         Affinity with innovation and entrepreneurship: development of new and health food products

-         Affinity with education

-         Team-player

-         Eager to work in a starting/growing and international team

Fixed-term contract: one year, with a three year extension upon proper functioning. Anticipated starting date: Dec 01, 2017.

Your salary will be based on the VSNU salary for PhD student starting at € 2.222 and increasing to € 2.840 gross per month over the course of the 4-year PhD project, according to salary-scale P0-P3. On top of this, there is an 8% holiday and an 8.3% end of year allowance.

The contract is initially for a period of 1 year, after which the candidate will be evaluated and a decision will be made to continue or discontinue the PhD trajectory.

The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO NU). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl.

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 16,500 students and 4,000 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

The life sciences research at the Greenport Venlo campus focuses on food, nutrition and health. The first life sciences research-program to start is Health Eating & Food Innovation (HEFI).
HEFI investigates the effects of health food, builds up knowledge about the health effects of food and the development of new nutritional products. HEFI is publicly oriented and focuses at the three relevant dimensions to further the use of healthy nutritional products; 1. Food, 2. People, and 3. Scenary. One part of HEFI focusses on the role of the gut microbiota in health and disease, within the group of Prof. Dr. Koen Venema. The current position is situated within that group.