PhD position - bioinformatica / microbioom

The Project

The project is funded by the Seerave Foundation and the candidate will be become part of this international group of excellent scientists. The position will be in the department of gastroenterology and hepatology at the University Medical Center Groningen. The candidate will be embedded in the dynamic, productive and interdisciplinary Groningen Microbiome Hub which consists of an several international groups studying different aspects of the human microbiome in various diseases and contexts. The University of Groningen is a top 100 University that has built a reputation for world-class research. You will follow courses and do research in small groups where personal interaction with your supervisor and other members of our team is an important part of your education.

Background
Treatment with Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has revolutionized oncology by prolonging survival of patients with different tumour types at the advanced stage, such as melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and renal cell carcinoma. However, only 30-50% of patients derive prolonged clinical benefit from ICBs, and some tumour types show limited response. In addition, ICBs distinct mode of activating the immune system causes unintended side-effects that are similar to autoimmune diseases, such as immune responses against normal tissues or organs. Evidence suggests that cancer patients’ gut microbiota differs from that of healthy individuals, and that the gut microbiota prior to ICB is associated with response, and immune-related adverse events. Part of the heterogeneity in response likely stems from the large strain-level variation within most bacterial species, with small genetic differences manifesting as considerable variation in phenotypes.

• Björk et al. 2024. Longitudinal gut microbiome changes in immune checkpoint blockade-treated advanced melanoma. Nature Medicine, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-02803-3
• Lee et al. 2022. Cross-cohort gut microbiome associations with immune checkpoint inhibitor response in advanced melanoma. Nature Medicine, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-01695-5

Project aims

We aim to move beyond taxonomic annotation by pinpointing the bacterial strains and genes associated with response to cancer immunotherapy and side-effects using metagenomic sequencing and metabolomics data collected from several deeply phenotyped longitudinal observational cohorts and faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) trials collected at the UMCG and with other Seerave collaborators. The PhD student will generate and work extensively with metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) and conduct, for example, pangenome and longitudinal strain-tracking analyses. The project combines state-of-the-art bioinformatics and statistical methodology with the overall goal of identifying bacterial strains likely responsible for eliciting anticancer immune responses that also minimize side-effects. There are also ample opportunities to be involved in other projects focusing on the role of the gut microbiome, diet and medication use in relation to cancer and cancer development within the group.

Required Expertise

• Master’s degree or equivalent, preferably with a focus on of the following topics: Computational biology, Bioinformatics, Microbiome.
• Proficiency in of R/Python, and command line .
• A collaborative spirit to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team.
• Excellent organizational and networking skills.
• Strong communication skills in English, both written and verbal.

What do we offer

This is a fixed-term appointment available for 3 years with a possibility for an extension for another year. The initial contract will be for one year followed by an extension, based on performance. The candidate will be provided with a stimulating work environment within the Groningen Microbiome Hub with opportunities for professional development within the field of microbial bioinformatics. Your salary will be a minimum of € 3.017,- gross per month in the first year and a maximum of € 3.824.- (from July on, a minimum of € 3.108,- and a maximum of € 3.939,-). In addition, the UMCG will offer you 8% holiday pay, and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC).

To apply, kindly utilize the digital application form located at the bottom of this page. Only submissions made through this form will be considered, or until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, please submit a complete application consisting of a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the contact details of two professional references. We are looking forward to your application and the possibility of you joining our team to contribute to this groundbreaking research endeavor.

For questions about the position

Any questions? Do contact us.

How to apply

Please use the the digital application form at the bottom of this page - only these will be processed. You can apply until 1 September 2025. Within half an hour after sending the digital application form you will receive an email- confirmation with further information.

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