The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) enforces rules and regulations to guard the safety of foods throughout the food chain. And luckily, the current status of food safety in the Netherlands is quite high. Nevertheless, changes in the food production chain continuously challenge food safety. For example, production methods, societal preferences, economic drivers or consumer behavior may change over time, with potential consequences for food safety.

This research project aims to prepare NVWA for potential future food safety risks. One specific question is whether current monitoring samples and data can provide useful information on upcoming risks.

You will work in a team of scientists with expertise in epidemiology, food safety, microbiology, bioinformatics, molecular techniques. You will be stationed at UvA and also perform part of the work at Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) in Lelystad.

You will be enrolled in the Graduate School of the Faculty of Science and embedded at the Microbiology Theme at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences at the University of Amsterdam, supervised by prof. dr. Linda Verhoef and prof. dr. Stanley Brul (promotors). You will closely collaborate with biosystems data analyses group (BDA). The work performed at WBVR will be co-supervised by dr. M. Brouwer.

What are you going to do?
In this research project, you will work with monitoring samples that NVWA collects in the context of AMR monitoring in food production animals. You will enrich this sample flow with microbiological and epidemiological data, aiming to identify indicators that are relevant for (changes in) food safety. By making smart use of monitoring data, and enriching the sample flow with epidemiological data, you will investigate whether genotype profiles can provide biomarkers as a sneak preview into changes in food production systems.

To do so, you will:

• develop an inter-lab-exchangeable protocol for microbiome and virome analyses, specifically aimed at identifying profiles of pathogens that are relevant for foodborne transmission to humans.
• build upon existing bio-informatic pipelines to finetune them aiming to identifying different types within species of foodborne pathogens. For example different types or strains of Salmonella, Campylobacter spp. or hepatitis E-virus.
• apply epidemiological analyses aiming to identify indicators on the presence of multiple variants of pathogens in the microbiota of swine, cattle and poultry.
• investigate the multiple applicability of the monitoring sample flow to inform of future changes.
• identify microbiome profiles of bacteria and relate them to background data to identify epidemiological indicators of differences in the profiles. Additional experience with epidemiological and omics data analysis is an asset. With our unique ‘omics’ analytical facilities, the successful candidate will find whether vector-specificness of strains may hold, or be subject to change.

As a PhD candidate you will develop into an independent researcher. Your tasks and activities will also include:

• completion and defending of a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years;
• analysis, interpretation, and presentation of the obtained data;
• publication in international journals and presentations at (inter-)national meetings;
• participating in meetings within our Microbiology theme, as well as SILS and Faculty of Science seminars;
• actively participate in the department’s educational programs, possibly including the supervision of undergraduate or master’s level students.

What do we require?
You have/are

• a degree (MSc, or equivalent) in Food Safety, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or closely related fields. Candidates in the final stages of obtaining their degree are eligible to apply;
• an excellent background in bio-informatics and molecular microbiology, expertise in the field of food safety, an interest in (epidemiological) data-analyses and hands-on experience in next gen sequencing;
• fuent in English, both written and spoken;
• strongly motivated, highly curious, problem-solving, a team player who can also work independently.

Our offer
We offer a temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

Based on a full-time appointment (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from €2.770 in the first year to €3.539 (scale P) in the last year. This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? Take a look here.

Questions?
Do you have questions about this vacancy? Or do you want to know more about our organisation? Please contact: prof. dr. ir. Linda Verhoef, email l.p.b.verhoef@uva.nl or prof. dr. Stanley Brul email s.brul@uva.nl

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 7,000, as well as 1,600 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 is one of the Faculty of Science’s largest institutes. Its approximately 240 scientists and staff members work in 19 research groups that perform excellent research centered on four themes: Neurosciences, Cell & Systems Biology, Microbiology and Green Life Sciences.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Application
Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 18 August 2024. You can apply online by using the link below.

Applications in .pdf should include:

• a motivation letter and CV, please mention the months (not just years) in your CV when referring to your education

and work experience;

• contact information of two referees.

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

We will invite potential candidates for on-line and on-site interviews in the first half of September 2024.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize 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.