Postdoctoral position on synbiotic-pathogen-gut microbiota interactions at microscale level

Postdoctoral position on synbiotic-pathogen-gut microbiota interactions at microscale level

The Laboratory of Food Biotechnology at the Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health of the Department of Health Science and Technology is looking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher to work in the field of synbiotic-pathogen-gut microbiota interactions at microscale.

The candidate will actively participate in a new European research project 3D’omics supported by EU Horizon 2020 (https://www.3domics.eu/ ). The 3D’omics project aims to address major challenges in animal production by creating and optimising a technology to analyse animal-microbiota interactions at the microscale. The developed technology will be implemented in two production systems, namely poultry and swine. The project is led by the University of Copenhagen, and the consortium includes scientists from eight European universities and research institutions, as well as five different companies from the private sector.

The Laboratory of Food Biotechnology has expert scientific knowledge in the field of pre- and probiotics and other food/feed supplements and their effect on the gut microbiota composition as well as functionality in various monogastric hosts. We have a strong expertise in complex gut microbiota in vitro modelling, composition analysis, functional properties and comparative approaches using the in house developed PolyFermS fermentation system that includes immobilized complex gut microbiota.

The postdoc project involves in vitro chicken gut microbiota experiments with spatially structured microbiota for setting up the 3D’omics technology in collaboration with the 3D’omics project partners, and for investigating synbiotic-pathogen-microbiota interactions prior to animal trials.   

The position is for two years, starting in September 2021, and offers an excellent opportunity to work in a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative European research project.

• You have a PhD in Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, or closely related Life Sciences
• You have a background in microbiology, microbial ecology or host-associated microbiology
• You have experience with cultivation of anaerobic bacteria, complex microbial communities and fermentation technology
• You have experience in molecular microbial analysis and fluorescence imaging
• You have interest in spatial organization of complex microbial communities
• You like to work experimentally and develop and apply new tools to study microbial interactions
• You have excellent project management and communication skills to work in a collaborative multidisciplinary international research project

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

We look forward to receiving your online application by 16th of August 2021 with the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae
• Motivation letter
• Names and contact information of three references

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about Laboratory of Food Biotechnology can be found on our website www.fbt.ethz.ch . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Annelies Geirnaert: [email protected] (no applications).

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