"Fully funded PhD position: Molecular dissection of epithelium-microbiota crosstalk"

Group: Dr. Annika Hausmann (SNSF Ambizione group leader)/Prof. Emma Slack, ETH Zürich Hönggerberg

The intestinal mucosa forms an integral barrier between our bodies and the outside world. Being exposed to a huge variety of metabolites and microbes taken up with our food or stably colonizing the intestine, it is permeable for essential nutrients while serving as a protective barrier to prevent microbial translocation. A tight balance between the intestinal epithelium, immune cells in the underlying tissue and the intestinal microbiota present in the lumen maintains intestinal homeostasis. The impairment of this balance can trigger disease, such as infection, metabolic disorders, and chronic inflammation (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease). The 

Hausmann group focuses on understanding how these key players interact to maintain intestinal homeostasis, with a special interest in the intestinal epithelium. The intestinal epithelium is in direct contact with the microbiota colonizing the intestinal lumen (e.g. sensing via pattern recognition receptors, uptake of metabolites), yet we know little about the molecular basis of epithelium-microbiota crosstalk and the impact of commensal bacteria on epithelial barrier function.

Job description

We offer a fully funded PhD position within the Hausmann group, embedded in the highly interdisciplinary Mucosal Immunology lab headed by Prof. Emma Slack at ETH Zürich (Hönggerberg Campus). The project will make use of state-of-the-art in vivo (gnotobiotic mice) and in vitro (organoids combined with anaerobic bacterial culture) models, (single cell) omics techniques and bioengineering approaches, to characterize the impact of commensal microbes on the intestinal epithelium and dissect the underlying molecular mechanisms in mouse and human.

The Mucosal Immunology group offers regular group and 1-1 meetings; training and mentoring on the skills required for developing towards scientific independence and a strong ethical framework for research. You will have the possibility to lead your research project with a high degree of autonomy and to contribute to collaborative research projects in- and outside the team.

Profile

We are looking for an outstanding candidate with high intrinsic motivation, who is passionate about driving and performing research in an interdisciplinary team and can work independently. Experience in at least two of the following areas is required:

• mouse models/animal handling
• tissue/organoid culture work
• (anaerobic) bacterial culture
• microbiology
• bioengineering (hydrogels, microfluidics)
• metabolism and/or mucosal immunology

Additional fundamental scientific research and project management experience will also be considered highly beneficial.

We offer

You will be part of an exceptional, dynamic research environment with a strong microbiology, immunology, and epithelial cell biology network at ETH, UZH and strong collaborations with the University of Oxford. You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, and will become part of the Microbiology and Immunology (MIM) Graduate School, a PhD program run jointly by ETH and UZH.

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Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Comprehensive CV
• Coverletter, explaining your motivation for applying and your research ideas in the field of microbiome-epithelial interactions
• Bachelors and Masters degree certificates and transcripts (where available)
• Contact details of at least two people willing to give references for you

The position will be available to start from October 1st 2024.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about the Mucosal Immunology group can be found on our website www.slacklab.ethz.ch and https://annikahausmannlab.com/. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Annika Hausmann, email annika.hausmann@sund.ku.dk (no applications).