Postdoc Position in Engineering Microbiome-Immune-Pathogen Interaction in Infant Gut

UvA - University of Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands

€ 3,706 - € 5,760 per month gross

Do you want to investigate how the microbiome acquired in early life influences innate immunity and pathogen infection in vulnerable infants? Join an NWO Vidi project that combines advanced gut-on-a-chip technology, organoid models and microbiome approaches.

• establish an anaerobic gut-microbiome-on-a-chip platform tailored to the human infant gut and investigate how early colonisation by commensal bacteria or pathobionts affects the development and function of the infant gut microbiome, innate immune system and mucosal barrier;
• design and fabricate mesofluidic gut models using the available research facilities;
• co-culture organoid-derived intestinal epithelium, immune cells and synthetic microbial communities (Syn Coms) that reflect infant gut physiology;
• coordinate and maintain the collaboration between mechanical engineers, microbiologists and translational microbiome researchers at Amsterdam UMC;
• present research findings at scientific conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.

• a degree (PhD, or equivalent) in Biomedical Engineering, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, or closely related fields. Candidates in the final stages of obtaining their degree are eligible to apply;
• an excellent background in bioengineering, biomaterials, hands-on experience of primary cell culture, organoids, or microfluidic systems;
• experience on or willing to learn anaerobic microbial cultivation and characterization techniques;
• a problem-solving mindset and a strong motivation;
• detail-oriented and can perform team-oriented in a multi-disciplinary team as well as independently;
• fluent in English, both writing and speaking, demonstrated by first-author peer-reviewed publication;
• experience in academic writing and presentation.

Deadline 13 October