Postdoc position in Bacterial Extracellular Vesicles in Psychiatric Disorders

The Microbiome Research group at the Centre for Clinical Research, North Denmark Regional Hospital, has a 2-year postdoc position available from April 1st, 2023, or as soon as possible. The workplace is in Hjørring.

Job description
The gut microbiota is involved in a bi-directional communication with the brain (the gut-brain-axis), and dysbiosis is associated with several neurological and psychiatric disorders. The gut-brain-axis involves endocrine, immune, and neural signaling pathways, but how the gut microbiota exerts its effect over long distances, is not very well understood. This project aims to investigate if bacterial extracellular vesicles, secreted from the gut microbiota, may be involved in this gut-brain communication.
The postdoc will optimize and implement methods for enrichment of gut-microbiota derived extracellular vesicles from human body fluids. Furthermore, comparison of gut microbiota composition with vesicle content from patients with psychiatric disorders will be performed. The candidate is also expected to assist with student supervision and training of other scientific staff.
The project is funded by the Lundbeck Foundation and is an integrated part of the current research activities at the Microbiome Research Group at the Centre for Clinical Research. Our group has a focus on understanding the association between the microbiome and human health and disease. Read more about our projects and research center here: https://rhnordjylland.rn.dk/forskning. The research group consists of an interdisciplinary team and collaborates with some of the leading Danish and international research groups within the microbiome and extracellular vesicle fields.

Qualifications
It is a requirement that the candidate holds a PhD degree in molecular biology, biomedicine, or related field. We will highly prioritize candidates that fulfill the following skills:

• has documented experience and knowledge within the human gut microbiome and psychiatric disorders
• has theoretical or hands on experience with gut micro-biotaderived extracellular vesicles
• has strong laboratory skills, e.g., with nucleic acid extraction from low biomass samples, PCR, Nanopore sequencing
• has strong bioinformatics skills, in particular with microbiome and multiomics analyses
• excellent oral and written English language skills

Further information regarding the position can be obtained by contacting Senior Scientist and Associate Professor Suzette Sørensen, +45 40 23 43 78 and suzette.soerensen@rn.dk.

The application
Applications are submitted using the online application system, and must contain the following:

• Motivational letter
• CV
• Publication list
• Copies of relevant diplomas
• References/recommendations   

Questions regarding the application process can be directed to Jytte Enevoldsen: jytte.enevoldsen@rn.dk

Application deadline: March 1st, 2023.
Please be aware that the job interviews will be held on Thursday 2nd of March and Friday 3rd of March.

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