We are looking for a PhD candidate in the area of “Intestinal host-microbe interactions” to perform scientific research into interactions of bacteria with intestinal mucin proteins. 
The intestinal microbiota is essential for human health, but can also cause inflammation, for example in patients that suffer from ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. We aim to understand how pathobionts or pathogens cause inflammation or epithelial invasion. Interactions between microbiota and the host take place in the mucus layer. Transmembrane mucins are receptor-like glycosylated proteins expressed on the apical surface of intestinal epithelial cells. These mucins can have barrier functions, be used utilized by pathogens for invasion and initiate signaling events. In one of our publications we described the potential hijacking of transmembrane mucin MUC1 by Salmonella and its utilization for apical invasion of intestinal epithelial cells (Li et al, PLoS Pathogens; PMC6375660).

The goal of this project is to investigate interactions of pathogens with the transmembrane mucin MUC1 and to determine the downstream signaling events. To perform infection experiments, you need to master microbiological techniques, culturing of intestinal epithelial cells and assays to determine the outcome of infection (e.g. microscopy, reporter assays, activation of signaling pathways). You will be working in a research group with a strong focus on mucosal host-microbe interactions and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Your findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and you will present your work in the department and at international conferences. Depending on your experience, you may be responsible for the daily supervision of MSc students.

The required techniques include:

• cell culture of cell lines, generation of knockout and overexpression cell lines;
• microbiological techniques such as bacterial culturing and the generation of knockouts;
• infection assays;
• molecular techniques such as cloning, protein expression, western blotting and immunoprecipitation;
• immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy.

We are looking for a colleague who:

• is highly motivated and has a passion for host-microbe interactions;
• has experience with molecular techniques, ideally some of the techniques listed;
• has a MSc degree in infection and immunity, microbiology, cell biology, immunology or equivalent.

We offer a position (1.0 FTE) for the duration of four years in an international working environment. The gross salary ranges from €2,325 in the first year to €2,972 (scale P according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) in the third year per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). More information about working at Utrecht University can be found here.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has a unique position in the Netherlands. Not only is this the only institution where veterinarians are trained, but this is also the place where researchers are working together on innovative scientific research. In addition, the faculty provides specialist clinical care in the largest academic veterinary hospital in Europe. Due to this position the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is a point of contact for all veterinary matters, both national and increasingly international. The Faculty employs approximately 900 veterinarians, scientists and support staff and counts 1,500 students.

In the Infection Biology group, we work on intestinal health and the molecular mechanisms that underlie intestinal inflammation by pathogens and the microbiota. You will be working in a research group with a strong focus on mucosal host-microbe interactions. The Infection Biology group is part of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.