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

  • ACTA Gebouw
  • Amsterdam
  • 0.8 / 1
  • Academisch Centrum Tandheelkunde Amsterdam
  • PhD
  • MSc
  • Closes on
    15-5-2025
  • Publishing date
    18-4-2025
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We are seeking a highly motivated and talented individual who is interested in contributing to our understanding of the complexity of the microbial ecosystems in relation to oral and metabolic health and disease.

Your function

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

Your profile

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

What do we offer?

  • 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 us

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.

Interested

Additional information

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our project? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.

Apply by using the "Apply" button below by May 15th, 2025 by uploading your motivation letter, curriculum vitae, and contact details for at least two references. The first round of interviews will be held in the last two weeks of May, the second round in the beginning of June.

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Please contact: Susanne Pinto via s.pinto@acta.nl or Egija Zaura via e.zaura@acta.nl

Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Your function

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

Your profile

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

What do we offer?

  • 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 us

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.

Questions about the vacancy?

Please contact

Susanne Pinto

Researcher

Interested

Additional information

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our project? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.

Apply by using the "Apply" button below by May 15th, 2025 by uploading your motivation letter, curriculum vitae, and contact details for at least two references. The first round of interviews will be held in the last two weeks of May, the second round in the beginning of June.

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Please contact: Susanne Pinto via s.pinto@acta.nl or Egija Zaura via e.zaura@acta.nl

Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Questions about the vacancy?

Please contact

Susanne Pinto

Researcher

Application procedure

Step1

Application received

We have received your application successfully. We aim to give you an initial response as soon as possible. This is generally two weeks after the deadline.

Step2

Screening CV

A selection committee will assess whether you meet the requirements for the vacancy. If your assessment is positive, we will invite you for a first (hybrid) job interview.

Step3

1st Interview

Job interviews usually take place at a VU Campus, but sometimes you will be invited for a video interview first. The VU uses MS teams for this purpose.

Step4

2nd Interview

For the second interview, we usually ask you to come to our VU campus.

Step5

Assessment

Depending on the position, the submission of a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) and/or an assessment may be part of the application procedure. The submission of a diploma is always requested at the time of onboarding.

Step6

Optional background check

Depending on the position and the associated risk profile, a background check may be conducted by the VU. This may include information from public social media accounts of the applicant (such as LinkedIn, Instagram), public statements made by the applicant on the internet and references provided by the applicant.
Step7

Onboarding

Welcome you are employed by VU Amsterdam!!!

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