Are you an enthusiastic scholar with an international reputation, with a thematic profile on microbiome engineering and a strong commitment to research, teaching and management?
The
Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is looking for a Full Professor in Microbiome Engineering who will be instrumental in driving the growing emphasis on this topic within the
Microbiology research theme of SILS. In this research theme experts are active in molecular (micro)biology, microbial cell & systems biology, host-microbe communication, microbial physiology, omics technologies applied to microbes and live-imaging of single cell microbes.
Your focus will be on devising molecular strategies to investigate the contribution of individual microbial species, or their functions, to the functioning of microbial communities. This can apply to genetically accessible as well as less accessible microorganisms in consortia relevant to human health, sustainable agriculture and nutrition.
Context of the chairThe chair will have a central position in the microbiome research of SILS and will be embedded in its Microbiology Theme. Within the Microbiology Theme, the molecular mechanisms involved in food preservation, infections, antibiotic resistance, host-microbiome interactions, as well as the stability of microbial (fermentation)consortia are being studied. The Theme works in collaborative projects on microbial consortia relevant to humans, animals, plants and new ways to employ microbes in biotechnology and therapeutic applications. The labs in the Microbiology Theme collaborate with groups at the Amsterdam University Medical Centers, the faculty of Dentistry, the Centre for Urban Mental Health and the Brain Plasticitygroup within SILS to study the gut and oral microbiome in health and disease in human cohorts as well as in animal disease models.
In addition, we collaborate within the framework of the UvA Research Priority area 'Host-Microbiome Interactions' with the Biosystems Data Analysis and Plant Hormone Biology groups of SILS and in the Holomicrobiome Initiative, a Dutch public-private partnership with both academic groups outside the UvA as well as national and international non-academic groups and industries studying and modelling human, plant, animal and environmental microbiomes. The Amsterdam Science Park environment provides a vibrant atmosphere that also enables interaction with industry.
ResearchAs our new professor you have a recognizable research profile in molecular genetics and physiology of microorganisms central to the microbiota of relevance to human health and well-being.You will provide (inter)national visibility and inspiring leadership to SILS research in the important area of microbiome engineering by setting up and coordinating a research group in this area, supervising PhD candidates and consolidating collaborations with other research groups and research institutes. You are able to create a safe team science environment and to motivate others to develop innovative research, to contribute actively to public outreach and you have proven skills in raising relevant research funds.
TeachingYou and your group members will teach and take responsibility for an educational portfolio that includes molecular biology lectures and molecular techniques practicals of the BSc programs in Biology, Psychobiology and Biomedical Sciences, as well as the MSc Biomedical Sciences. We expect you to actively contribute to development of curricula, and helping us in making them more inclusive and diverse.
You will teach and supervise students in English, and work towards proficiency in Dutch (level B2) if currently not fluent. Mastering the Dutch language is important for the day to day business of our university. English and Dutch are the current languages of instruction in the BSc and MSc curricula. Working with students from all over the world means that you have excellent skills in building and safeguarding a welcoming, inclusive teaching environment.
LeadershipYou have a proven ability in leading a research team and proven experience in managerial roles. We are looking for a leader who can both support and motivate colleagues, create a nurturing environment that allows other researchers to thrive and who is able and willing to take on responsibilities at institute and/or faculty level.
Your tasks and responsibilities
- conducting independent research in microbiome/microbe function and engineering, including but not limited to the development of novel genetic engineering toolboxes for non-model microorganisms, bacteriophages as delivery system, genetic circuit and sensor building in live eukaryotic cells, and their applications in human and plant health;
- actively pursuing external funding for research, notably funding from national as European research councils, and contributing to and developing national and international research networks and other forms of cooperation;
- developing, coordinating and teaching courses in both Dutch and English, in the Bachelor and Master programs and actively contributing to the development and improvement of the broader teaching programmes in the department;
- supervising Bachelor and Master theses and tutoring students; co-supervising PhD theses;
- taking part in committees and working groups and take on responsibilities at institute and/or faculty level.