The oral cavity is the main gate to the rest of the body and comprises a complex ecosystem with a wealth of microbes (bacteria, fungi, archaea, viruses and protozoa), which normally are in symbiosis with their host. Environmental factors (e.g. diet high in carbohydrates or poor oral hygiene) drive the emergence of dysbiotic microbial communities, which can contribute to development of oral and even systemic diseases. The Department of Preventive Dentistry is involved in several collaborative research projects where the acquisition and development of the oral microbial ecosystem of children in relation to their oral health is monitored. We are seeking a highly motivated and talented individual who is interested in contributing to our understanding of the complexity of the oral microbial ecosystem in relation to oral health and disease.

Besides joining already ongoing projects in oral microbial ecology at the Department of Preventive Dentistry, the candidate will be expected to take an active role in the Research Priority Area of the University of Amsterdam on Personal Microbiome Health (https://pmh-uva.nl/). In addition, the candidate will be expected to contribute to research grant acquisition and supervision of junior researchers.

The candidate will be situated at ACTA within the Department of Preventive Dentistry, specialized in oral microbial ecology, oral microbiology and microbe-host interactions. The department comprises researchers experienced in various fields: clinical dentistry, molecular biology, microbiology, microbial ecology and bioinformatics and regularly hosts international PhD students and postdoctoral fellows. This is fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating working environment.

Your duties

• To be in the lead of clinical sample processing for microbiome analyses in the molecular biology lab
• To be in the lead of bioinformatic data analysis of the project data and compiling the research findings into scientific publications
• To supervise and mentor trainees, graduate and undergraduate students in their scientific internships at the department
• To coordinate the scientific program of the monthly RPA seminars on microbiome
• To explore additional innovative research lines within the scope of the research strategy of the Department and Faculty

• A PhD degree in (Micro)biology or related fields (Candidates nearing completion of their PhD degree are eligible to apply)
• Experience with microbiological and molecular biology techniques
• Ample experience with programming and bioinformatic tools for analyzing human microbiome data
• Affinity for and strong motivation to focus on oral microbial ecology and oral health related research topics
• A proven track record of a high research quality
• Exceptional curiosity with advanced problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to supervise (junior) scientists and support staff
• Proficiency in English, along with excellent oral and written communication skills

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At ACTA, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of minimum € 3.226,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.090,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis (exclusive expected 3.7 % increase as of 1-9-2024 and 1 % starting as of 1-1-2025). This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• a position for at least 1 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year. Afterwards, the possibility of expansion exists.

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

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

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.