PhD position in microbial ecology and health during the first 1000 days of life

This project, called MetaHealth (https://nwo-metahealth.nl), examines how socio-economic, behavioral, and biological factors within and between families influence oral, metabolic, and systemic health, in an effort to reduce overweight and dental caries in early childhood. Specifically, we focus on the role of the oral and gut microbiome development during the first 1000 days of life in shaping long-term health outcomes. To achieve this, the MetaHealth project is establishing a longitudinal microbiome database of taxonomic and functional profiles of the developing oral and gut microbiomes of children and their caregivers. We will investigate how early-life microbial succession over time influences health trajectories.

Your duties
As a PhD student working on this project, you will contribute to the analyses of metagenomic shotgun sequencing data of different cohorts within MetaHealth and use/develop new analyses methods. Your tasks will include the following:

• Designing and performing research based on existing project data
• Collaborate with project partners from similar and different fields
• Compile research finding into scientific presentations, publications, and a PhD thesis
• Optionally conduct teaching activities such as assisting in work groups or supervise internships of bachelor and master students

We are looking for a candidate with:

• A master’s degree in biomedical sciences, bioinformatics, biology, microbiology, and/or a related study
• Affinity with and strong motivation to focus on microbial ecology in the context of socio-economic, behavioral, biological, and health factors
• Experience with programming (preferably in R) for analyzing complex high-dimensional biological data
• Exceptional curiosity with advanced problem-solving abilities
• Affinity with interdisciplinary research
• Proficiency in English, along with excellent oral and written communication skills

• An initial appointment for 1 year for 1 FTE (38 hours per week). After a satisfactory evaluation of this initial appointment, the contract will be extended for further 3 years. If you prefer a contract of 0.84 fte (32 hours per week) the extension will be 3 years and 9 months.
• An interdisciplinary, inspiring and socially engaged research consortium.
• A salary of € 2.901,00 (PhD) and maximum of € 3.707,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• solid pension scheme (ABP)
• contribution to commuting expenses
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

About the department, institute, project

You will be situated at ACTA within the Department of Preventive Dentistry, specialized in oral microbial ecology, oral microbiology, and microbe-host interactions. You will be working with researchers experienced in various fields: clinical dentistry, molecular biology, microbiology, microbial ecology, public health, epidemiology, and bioinformatics.

Welcome to ACTA
ACTA is the collaboration between the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Amsterdam and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. ACTA conducts scientific research, provides education, and offers patient care in the field of dentistry. Internationally, ACTA is a leader in research and education. Approximately 500 employees work at ACTA, and about 900 students are enrolled in the Dentistry program. Every day, around 600 patients receive dental care.

Diversity is a core value of VU Amsterdam. We advocate for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalization enhance the quality of education and research. Therefore, we are constantly seeking individuals whose backgrounds and experiences contribute to the diversity of our campus.