The Laboratory of Microbial Systems Biology at KU Leuven’s Rega Institute invites applications for a motivated PhD candidate in gut microbial ecology. This position is part of the Marie Curie Doctoral Network, HoloGen, focusing on host-microbiota interactions through a hologenomics lens. The successful candidate will explore how local conditions and social networks shape host microbiota using advanced systems biology methods.

The successful candidate will join the Molecular Bacteriology unit at the Rega Institute and engage in research focused on the human gut microbiome. The project involves studying the interplay between local conditions and social networks on host microbiota. The candidate will work with synthetic gut communities, using state-of-the-art anaerobic culturing equipment, and develop mathematical models to predict and explore microbiome dynamics. The research aims to mimic social networks in vitro to control local conditions, migration rates, and network structures.

Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in microbiology, molecular biology, bioscience, (bio)chemical engineering, biotechnology, or equivalent with at least a distinction, obtained by September 2024.
• Proficiency in English.
• Solid background in microbiology and molecular biology.
• Passion for microbial ecology and ability to work independently.
• Experience with anaerobic culturing techniques, flow cytometry, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, or mathematical modelling is a plus.