PhD student nec and sepsis in preterm infants

Overview

We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to investigate which microbial metabolites and bioactive molecules play a role in early gut maturation and how they influence health and disease. Necrotizing enterocolitis (nec) and sepsis are life-threatening complications in very preterm infants. Probiotic treatment reduces nec incidence by up to 50% in Dutch neonatal intensive care units, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

This PhD project aims to uncover how microbial metabolites and bioactive molecules drive early gut maturation, immune regulation and barrier function. You will study both beneficial and potentially pathogenic effects of the intestinal microbiota, with a focus on host–microbe interactions in the immature gut. You conduct fundamental biomedical research using human intestinal epithelial organoid models and microbiological culture systems. Techniques include barrier integrity assays (TEER, translocation assays), gene expression analysis (qPCR, RNA sequencing), protein detection and quantification, and targeted metabolomics.

The project is embedded in an NWO-VIDI-funded research line and closely connected to clinical neonatology.

As a PhD candidate, you investigate mechanisms underlying nec and sepsis in preterm infants. You work with clinical samples and advanced in vitro models to translate fundamental insights into improved prevention strategies.

You are welcome to read more about the different phases within the PhD trajectory on the project page.