Project description

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like obesity, type II diabetes, and cardiovascular disease account for almost 70% of global deaths annually. Important components in most of these conditions are intestinal perturbations and immune dysregulation or a diminished function of the immune system.

Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), a group of complex sugar structures in human milk, have various benefits in human physiology, from prebiotics to inhibitors of pathogen adherence and protection. However, it is not yet known through which cellular pathways or mechanisms HMOs exert these effects and if some HMOs are more potent than others. The aim of this project, funded by Topsector Agri&Food, is to delineate the mechanisms and effects of HMOs on the immune system and the intestinal epithelium.

The participating organizations are Radboud UMC, Radboud University, Friesland Campina and Hubrecht Institute. The Postdoc at the Hubrecht Institute will test different HMOs on intestinal organoids (mini-organs in a dish) to investigate the HMO-affected intestinal cell types and their biological mode of action.

Requirements:

We are looking for outstanding and highly motivated PostDocs:

• A good understanding of molecular- and cell biology
• Ability to work independently but also as part of a team
• Someone with an independent attitude to problem-solving who takes initiative
• Proficient in molecular biology techniques and experience with culturing Organoids
• The working language in our international teams is English; the candidate should, therefore, have excellent English communication skills

Fixed-term contract: 3 years (1+2).

Terms of employment
Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is € 3.345 and the maximum salary is € 5.278 gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale 10 cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).

For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: werken bij de KNAW.

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.

Hubrecht instituut

About the Hubrecht Institute
The Hubrecht Institute is a research institute focusing on developmental and stem cell biology. At the institute, more than 20 research groups perform fundamental and multidisciplinary research, both in healthy systems and disease models. The Hubrecht Institute is a research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and is located on the Utrecht Science Park 'De Uithof'. Since 2008, the institute has been affiliated with the University Medical Center Utrecht, advancing the translation of research into clinical practice. The Hubrecht Institute has a partnership with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL).

Diversity & Inclusion
The KNAW considers a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated of great importance. A working environment in which attention is paid to individual quality and where development opportunities are paramount. Together we strive for an inclusive culture in which we embrace differences. We would therefore like to invite candidates who want to contribute to this through their background and experience. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the candidate who thus enhances diversity within the Academy.
We will not respond to any supplier enquiries based on this job advertisement.

For questions please contact j.es@hubrecht.eu