microbial signatures and pathways linked to barrier and immune function. Additionally, this project involves method development of site-specific gut permeability assays for future clinical studies. Overall, this work will improve our understanding of the effects of GLP-1/GIP therapies on gut homeostasis, and the implications this has for cardiometabolic health.
Ideal candidates will have:
- A background (or strong interest) in biomedical science, microbiology, nutrition, gastroenterology, immunology, or related fields
- Experience with preclinical and/or clinical research and molecular biology techniques
- A strong scientific mindset and comfort working with laboratory-based methods, as this project will have both wet lab and bioinformatics components
- Desirable: experience with microbial bioinformatics/data science/R programming
- Strong critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills
You will be working within the Gut Homeostasis in Cardiometabolic Health Laboratory at Nutrition & Health Innovation Research Institute at Edith Cowan University in Perth, Western Australia. The laboratory investigates how the gut environment, including intestinal permeability, luminal pH and microbial activity, contributes to cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic disease, and how it might be modified through diet and therapy. NHIRI is a leading Australian nutrition research institute with established programs in cardiometabolic and vascular health.
Perth offers an exceptional quality of life, with a Mediterranean climate, world-class beaches and one of the most liveable urban environments in Australia. It was ranked the 13th most liveable city in the world in the 2026 Economist Intelligence Unit Global Liveability Index.
Prospective candidates are kindly asked to complete the Expression of Interest form. If you have questions, please contact Dr Matthew Snelson.
Funding Notes
The project is fully funded and provides a tax-free living allowance of AU$37,500 per year for 3 years. Please see full funding information at: View Website
References
McCallum G, Tropini C. The gut microbiota and its biogeography. Nature Reviews Microbiology 2024;22:105–118. doi:10.1038/s41579-023-00969-0
Snelson M, Tan SM, Clarke RE, et al. Processed foods drive intestinal barrier permeability and microvascular diseases. Science Advances 2021;7(14):eabe4841. doi:10.1126/sciadv.abe4841
