Postdoctoral researcher – Sweetspot: impact of (novel) sweeteners on gut microbial ecology

Job title:

Postdoctoral researcher – Sweetspot: impact of (novel) sweeteners on gut microbial ecology

Company:

Wageningen University and Research Centre

Job description

Job description Are you an enthusiastic postdoc-level researcher who wants to study the effect of non-nutritive sweeteners on the ecology of intestinal microbes? Are you an expert in microbial ecology, culturing of anaerobic microbes and do you have strong interest in human nutrition & health? Then we are looking for you!The position is embedded in a PPS project called Sweetspot funded by TKI and private partners which investigates the effects of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) and novel sugars on the gut microbiome and food-products. NNS are commonly integrated into products and presumed to be inert. However, recent evidence suggests that supplementation of specific NNS may induce person-specific, microbiome-dependent glycemic alterations. Although recent studies provoke considerable debate, the precise implications of these effects are still largely unknown. It is therefore essential to create further insights into possible health effects of NNS, novel sugars and/or novel sweeteners and how these sweeteners affect the ecology of intestinal microbes.What is your role in the project?
In this project, you will study the effect of novel sweeteners on intestinal microbes. You will study if specific microbes can grow on these, how microbial growth is impacted by these sweeteners and how sweeteners will affect trophic interactions between intestinal microbes and the intestinal microbiome in general.Your duties and responsibilities include:

• cultivating intestinal microbes in single cultures, synthetic communities, and/or intestinal samples to study the impact of non-nutritive sweeteners;
• contribute to the writing of peer-reviewed manuscripts on the project results;
• presenting findings to key project stakeholders and the scientific community;
• assist in teaching in courses offered by the Laboratory of Microbiology.

Requirements We are looking for a candidate that has:

• a PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, or other relevant fields;
• experience with cultivation of anaerobic microbes;
• extensive knowledge of microbial ecology and a strong affinity with human nutrition;
• a good track record of writing or contributing to scientific articles.

In our international working environment there is an increasing amount of communication in English. For this position it is about C1.You will work here
The research is embedded within the . You will be working in the Molecular Ecology group under supervision of Dr. Erwin Zoetendal who is heading the research projects. You will collaborate with researchers and industrial representatives of the Sweetspot project.Conditions of employment Wageningen University & Research offers excellent . A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed December bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between € 3.378,- and € 5.331,- for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the (scale 10). Note, this position is for 0,8 FTE.As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended – if possible within (company) organizational circumstances – on good performance. Of course, we are happy to have a conversation with you if you have any questions about this.Wageningen University & Research encourages internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “ ” in the Netherlands for the 20th consecutive time.Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research’s page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account, dual career programs or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.EmployerWageningen University & Research The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,700 employees (7,000 fte), 2,500 PhD and EngD candidates, 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.Read the why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR.We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves and do not appreciate unasked for services from recruitment agencies. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.Additional information For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Erwin Zoetendal, by email: .For more information about the procedure, please contact Rutger Voorrips, corporate recruiter, by e-mail: .Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.This vacancy will be listed up to and including February 17th 2025. We hope to schedule the first job interviews shortly after the closing date.Procedure
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure.Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone’s unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.Application procedure For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Erwin Zoetendal, by email: .For more information about the procedure, please contact Rutger Voorrips, corporate recruiter, by e-mail: .Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.This vacancy will be listed up to and including February 17th 2025. We hope to schedule the first job interviews shortly after the closing date.Procedure
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure.Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone’s unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.

Expected salary

€3378 – 5331 per month

Location

Nederland

Job date

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 23:24:43 GMT

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