Summary
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is offering a PhD scholarship for a highly motivated candidate to investigate the influence of early-life gut microbes on immune development and intestinal health. This ERC-funded project will utilize advanced gut-on-a-chip technology, organoid models, and omics approaches to identify microbial species, metabolites, and genes mediating microbiota–immune interactions, aiming to support future interventions for metabolic health.
Designation
PhD Candidate
Scholarship Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | University of Amsterdam (UvA), Faculty of Science, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) |
| Program Type | PhD Scholarship |
| Duration | 4 years (initial 18-month contract, extended upon satisfactory evaluation) |
| Working Hours | 38 hours per week |
| Salary | €3,204 (1st year) to €4,051 (4th year) gross per month, plus 8% holiday pay and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Favorable 30% tax ruling may apply to non-Dutch applicants. |
| Start Date | 1 January 2027 (preferred) |
Research Area
Early-Life Gut Microbiome-Immune Interaction, focusing on how early microbial colonization affects immune-cell development, gut epithelium, and immunity, particularly naïve T-cell maturation.
Location
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Eligibility/Qualification
Required Qualifications:
- Hold, or be close to completing, an MSc degree (or equivalent) in immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, or a closely related field.
- Effective communication skills in English, both written and conversational.
- Ability to plan and conduct experimental work independently while collaborating in an interdisciplinary team.
- Curiosity, careful problem-solving, and persistence in approaching complex research questions.
- Ability to document, analyze, and communicate research results clearly and responsibly.
Preferred Experience:
- Immune-cell culture and profiling
- Flow cytometry
- Anaerobic bacterial cultivation
- Organoids
- Microphysiological systems
- Omics data analysis
Scholarship Description
The successful PhD candidate will join an ERC Starting Grant project at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) at the University of Amsterdam. The project aims to investigate the complex interactions between maternal factors, infant gut microbiota, and intestinal health. Key responsibilities include:
- Completing a PhD thesis within the four-year appointment.
- Designing and conducting experiments on maternal factors, infant gut microbiota, and intestinal health.
- Culturing and characterizing infant gut microbes using the Gut-on-a-chip (GUMI) platform and complementary methods.
- Utilizing organoid and immune-competent gut–microbe co-culture models.
- Analyzing omics and experimental data to identify key bacterial species, metabolites, and genes.
- Communicating research results through scientific publications, presentations, and team collaboration.
- Completing the PhD training program of the Faculty of Science and contributing to teaching activities for Bachelor’s and Master’s students.
The UvA offers a supportive environment with opportunities for career development, training courses, and open lectures. Secondary benefits include 232 vacation hours, parental leave, partner leave, and social engagement leave. Support is also available for international employees and their families regarding relocation.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply online via the official vacancy link. Applications must include the following documents, with all files except the CV submitted as a single PDF:
- A detailed CV, including months for education and work experience.
- A letter of motivation.
- Names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.
- Transcripts of courses completed during Bachelor’s and Master’s studies.
A knowledge security check may be part of the selection procedure.
Last Date for Apply
13 October 2026
