Project description
The gut microbiota plays a fundamental role in the health state of the host and there is indication of direct implications of gut microbiota in cardiovascular diseases (CVD), type 2 diabetes and associated preconditions. Identifying microbial taxa and functions for prevention or treatments of these diseases and conditions is therfore of high priority. Yet, there is a lack of knowledge how gut microbiota including specific specific bacteria or their functionalities can be used to develop novel precision prevention in the general population or in different risk groups. One task in the project is to discover microbial signatures that are associated with cardiometabolic risk factors which may be used as the basis for down-stream stratified dietary interventions.
The function and activity of gut microbiota is reflected in the host metabolome, therefore, the metabolome could be used as complementary functional readout of microbial metabolism and it opens up a great potential to monitor key activities in gut microbiota related to CVD-endpoints.
Metagenome- and metabolomics data from 7500 participants in a large prospective cohort study will be the basis of the current project. Metegenome data has been generated at The Centre for Translational Microbiome Research (CTMR) on behalf of the national cohort infrastructure SIMPLER. The present study is part of the 4-year EU project HealthFerm, which investigates the effects of innovative fermented pulses and cereal-based foods on health effects and consumer perception of novel fermented foods.
Information about the division and the department
At the Department of Life Sciences (LIFE), we conduct research, innovation and education to enable a biobased society and improve human health. Our topics cover both basic and applied aspects of life sciences in the areas of systems biology, chemical biology, industrial biology and biotechnology and, food and nutrition science. We develop and apply cutting edge experimental and computational technologies. Our researchers are discovering how biomolecules, living cells and the whole organisms’ function and respond to the environment. Based on that knowledge, we engineer biological systems to produce foods, drugs and chemicals in an innovative and sustainable way. We also use this knowledge to pioneer new methods for prevention, diagnostic and treatment of human diseases, often in close collaboration with complementary competences from society, industry and academia. Our most important contribution to the society is the new generations of young scientists trained to be future leaders. Altogether, our department is a home to life sciences, where innovative ideas and creative people grow.
The division of Food and Nutrition Science (FNS) is one of four research divisions at LIFE. FNS addresses major societal challenges related to foods, sustainability and health. We conduct fundamental and applied research, innovation, education and dissemination in food and nutrition science with the aim to provide new knowledge and solutions that pave the way for a sustainable planet and healthy humans. Research topics span from food chemistry and technology to molecular- and data- driven nutrition. In Food Science, we focus primarily on marine and plant-based food systems with the goal to promote high food quality, minimize losses throughout the value chain and to utilise alternative sources for production of nutrient. In nutrition, we focus on human observational and intervention studies as well as cell-based model studies and apply advanced data-driven approaches and state of the art biochemical- and OMICs technologies to understand and predict the role of foods, dietary components and dietary patterns in human health.
The holder of the position will be employed by Chalmers, but will be affiliated to The Centre for Translational Microbiome Research (CTMR), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm and spend part time there.
Major responsibilities
As a postdoc, you will be responsible for the data-analysis of investigating the link between microbiota, metabolomics data, and cardiometabolic health in a large scale prospective cohort. You will be responsible for writing papers, disseminating the findings and will collaborate within HealthFerm and with external partners. You will be a member of our multidiciplinary team with expertise in food science, precision- and molecular nutrition, computational metabolomics and modelling. You will spend part-time at Centre for Translational Microbiome Research at Karolinska Insititutet and part time at Chalmers.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position you must hold a doctoral degree in microbiology, bioinformatics, mathematics or statisticsawarded, no more than three years prior to the application deadline. You should have well documented experiences from metagenome data analysis.
The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English.
It is meritorious if you have experiences from untargeted metabolomics analysis and experience from nutrition science.
Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two years.
We offerChalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.
Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20230334 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.
CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• Two references that we can contact.
Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:• Introduce yourself• Describe your previous research fields and main research results• Describe your future goals and future research focus
Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.
Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.
Application deadline: 2023-06-11
For questions, please contact:
Head of Division, Professor Rikard Landberg
Email: rikard.landberg@chalmers.se
Phone: 072 350 93 86
*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***
Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!
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