Technician Human Gut Microbiome

We are currently looking for a technician to support the work of the newly established group "Microbiome Engineering”. The group's mission is to explore the role of the microbiome in human health. Working alongside a team of microbiologists, molecular biologists, biochemists, and neurobiologists, you will play a key role in establishing connections between microbiome adaptation in the gut environment, human health, and the development of diseases such as Parkinson's disease. 

The chair resides in the Microbiology Theme which is part of the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences in the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam. In the theme the study of the Microbiome is a main area of interest where system biologists, microbial physiology experts and eukaryotic cell biologists cooperate. 

The theme is central to the University Research Priority Aeras (RPAs) Personal Microbiome Health and Systems Biology of Host Microbe Interactions . In addition we play a major role in the RPA Urban Mental Health . We collaborate extensively with groups at the Amsterdam UMC, in particular those involved in Liver and Intestinal Research (Tytgat Institute) and Cardiovascular Research.

If you thrive in an interdisciplinary research team and are enthusiastic about contributing to our understanding of gut bacterial adaptation and how they interact with their host, then this position in the  Microbiology Theme is ideal for you. Our international and diverse team, consists of PIs, postdocs, PhD candidates, and technicians with expertise ranging from analytical chemistry to biochemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology. 

What are you going to do?

You will be involved in supporting the planning, execution, and analysis of experiments within the field of Microbiome Engineering. Your duties will encompass the isolation and culturing of anaerobic bacteria, (single cell)-omics procedures, and data analysis. Collaborate with the analytical chemistry facility at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences in the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam to acquire and enhance these skills, is essential.

Additionally, we are keen on investigating changes in the metabolic activity of the microbiome and the glycan structure of the adjacent mucus layer. This requires proficiency in, or the ability to develop, analytical chemistry skills. Our work involves the application of a variety of advanced imaging techniques.

Tasks and responsibilities:
•    perform experiments in a systematic and well controlled manner;
•    keep accurate records by properly documenting and organizing your work;
•    perform sample preparation for microbiome and metabolite analysis;
•    contribute to the analysis of these data;
•    be an active member of the research group and take responsibility for shared tasks;
•    assist in supervising Bachelor and Master students.

What do you have to offer?

You have the affinity to be skilled in the human microbiome-host interactions. You enjoy performing experimental and computational work. You enjoy working in a multidisciplinary team and are a team player. You have good communication skills as you will be expected to discuss your results with project partners.

Your experience and profile 
You have/are:
•    Higher vocational education or MSc degree in (Micro) biology or Biochemistry;
•    experience with experimental work involving anaerobic culturing of microorganisms;
•    experience with analytical chemistry;
•    experience with molecular biology techniques;
•    experience with bioinformatics and data analysis;
•    affinity to acquire new skills;
•    fluent in English, both written and spoken.

Our offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 12 months. Upon a good evaluation this will be a permanent contract.  The preferred starting date is 01 April 2024. 

Your salary, depending on relevant work experience before the beginning of the employment contract, will range between €2.693 and €3.636 gross per month, on the basis of a full working week of 38 hours. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8.3% year-end allowance. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU) is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:
•    232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime);
•    multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
•    a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
•    the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
•    help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad. 

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here .

About us

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain. 

The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is one of the Faculty of Science’s largest institutes. Its approximately 240 scientists and staff members work in 17 research groups that perform excellent research centered on four themes: Neurosciences, Cell & Systems Biology, Microbiology and Green Life Sciences.

Do you want to know more about our organization? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Any questions?

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

Prof. dr. Sahar L. Aidy

Prof. dr. Stanley Brul 

Job application

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 25 February 2024. 

Due to Dutch legislation, the UvA is for non-scientific positions obliged to recruit within the EU. If you are not a EU-citizen (including Norway and Switzerland) it is not useful to apply.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):

•    a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
•    a letter of motivation;
•    the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(for details: National knowledge security guidelines ) 

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

If you encounter Error GBB451, reach out to our HR Department  directly. They will gladly help you continue your application. 

No agencies please.