We are recruiting a PhD student to study Host-Microbiome interactions in metabolic diseases.

The evidence for a role of the gut microbiome in health and disease is accumulating. Yet most evidence is based on associations, not on causality. Within our research group, and in close collaboration with the dept of Human biology, we aim to understand the microbiome interacts with the host. In particular we will focus on the role of bacterial membrane vesicles (BMV), small nanosized vesicles released by all bacteria, which role in host-microbiome interactions needs to be unraveled in detail. In this project we will in particular focus on the role of these BMV in metabolic diseases.

As PhD student you will be part of an exciting research program as part of a strong collaboration between 2 departments (Human Biology and Medical Microbiology) in which human intervention studies  and human in vitro models are combined. You will be working in an innovative and scientifically stimulating environment. Being embedded within our research school NUTRIM (Nutritional & Translational Research in Metabolism) and the Euregional Microbiome Center (www.microbiomecenter.eu) you will have unique training opportunities. You will be trained and supervised in cutting edge technologies (e.g., fluorescent bacterial sorting, whole metagenome sequencing, computational biology, metagenomic epidemiology and human primary cell cultures). You will present your research work at leading national and international conferences.

We are looking for a talented and ambitious PhD candidate with initiative, motivation and endurance. You are keen to invest in the growth of both yourself and our team. You should have:
•    a MSc degree (or equivalent) in a relevant Life Science discipline: (medical) biology, microbiology, biomedical sciences;
•    Strong interest in (molecular) microbiology and cardiometabolic diseases;
•    Experience in microbiota or other -omics data-analyses using statistical computing software such as R;
•    Previous experience with systems biology is an advantage;
•    Previous experience with in vivo/vitro models is an advantage;
•    Excellent communication skills in English.
 

Fixed-term contract: 48 months.

Temporary employment for 4 years. The first year will be a probation period, after a positive assessment the position will be extended for another 3 years, which happens in the vast majority of cases.

Your salary would be € 2434,- gross per month in the first year up to € 3111,- gross per month in the fourth year according to the PhD-candidate salary scale. An 8% holiday and an 8.3% year-end allowance is also provided. Each year an evaluation will take place.

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

Maastricht University

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 20,000 students and 4,700 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 Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience. 

Departments of Medical Microbiology and Human Biology

The Department of Medical Microbiology has a strong focus on clinical diagnostics and scientific research in the fields of infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, molecular typing and the human microbiome.

The Department of Human Biology has a main interest in metabolic inter-organ crosstalk between the gut, adipose tissue, liver, and skeletal muscle in the etiology of obesity, insulin resistance and cardiometabolic complications (www.nimolab.nl).

You will be part of the collaboration between both Dept., an international group of PI’s, post-doctoral fellows, PhD students and research technicians.

Both research groups have strong links with clinical departments (e.g., gastroenterology, pulmonology and pediatrics) within the Maastricht UMC+ as well as many (inter)national collaborations with academic and industrial partners within the context of multiple (inter)national consortia, including the Top Institute Food and Nutrition (TIFN), NWO-Carbohydrate Competence Center, Joint Programme Initiatives HDHL Intestinal Microbiomics and Million Microbiomes of Humans Projec. The lab has on-site automated sample processing as well as next-generation sequencing, and primary cell culture facilities.

NUTRIM School for Nutrition and Translational Research

NUTRIM School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism is part of the Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences of the Maastricht University. NUTRIM catalyses translational research into metabolic and chronic inflammatory disorders (i.e. metabolic syndrome/diabetes, IBD/intestinal failure and COPD) that will contribute to innovative personalized lifestyle and medicine approaches with a focus on nutrition, toxicology and metabolism. Within NUTRIM, approximately 400 scientists including 245 PhD students, and an additional 70 support staff members work interdisciplinary together in 16 Biomedical, clinical, and behavioral-science departments. Through its research master and PhD programme NUTRIM aims to educate investigators of high scientific excellence and ambassadors to support and develop this research field.

More information:
https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/research/graduate-schools/school-nutrition-and-translational-research-metabolism