PhD Fellowship/Scholarship in Optical Trapping of Bacteria to Control Host-Microbe Interactions in the Zebrafish Gut

Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Molecular Biology and Genetics programme. The position is available from November 2023 or later.
Research area and project description:
As part of an interdisciplinary grant in collaboration with Professor Giovanni Volpe from the University of Gothenburg a PhD position is available.

It has been known for decades that the gut microbiome affects the brain, and its imbalance is linked to mental health disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, autism). However, this link is mostly correlative and based on large-scale manipulations, such as the removal or replacement of the whole gut microbiome in model animals. We lack powerful tools to precisely manipulate the bacterial composition of the microbiome in vivo, which hinders our ability to establish mechanisms, and target therapeutical interventions in the most efficient way.

In this project, you will work with our optical physicist colleagues to develop a new approach to tease apart the mechanisms of the gut–brain axis by precisely controlling the position and timing of the interactions between bacteria, neurons, and the gut epithelium.

Our interdisciplinary team of optical physicists and biologists will assemble optical tweezers to trap bacteria using light. You will use these tweezers to manipulate the position of bacteria in the gut of larval zebrafish in situ and in vivo. We will develop a microfluidics device to ensure that the bacteria do not accidentally get in contact with the zebrafish, but only when we want them to. Finally, these methods will be combined with our light-sheet microscope to record in real time the zebrafish responses to the bacteria using calcium imaging. This will permit us to test hypotheses about causal links between the bacteria, neuronal activation, and gut motility.

Potential candidates are encouraged to reach out to prior to application to get further information on the project.
For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. When – as here – you apply for a specific project, please simply copy the project description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found.

Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants must have a Master’s degree or in the process of getting a Master’s degree in molecular biology, optical physics, biology or a relevant degree, preferably with a good track record.

Besides a solid scientific background, the following qualifications/ characteristics are desirable:

• Excellent communication skills in English and the ability to work collaboratively.
• Curious and self-driven, interested in new techniques and multidisciplinary approaches.
• Experience with animal models.

Previous experience with scientific research (e.g. internships) are an asset

Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Universitetsbyen 81,

8000 Aarhus, Denmark.

Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact:
Professor Claus Oxvig: co@mbg.au.dk or Gilles Vanwalleghem: gilles.vanwalleghem@mbg.au.dk 

How to apply:

For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying.

When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 June 2023)

1. Choose August 2023 Call with deadline 1 August 2023 at 23:59 CET.
2. You will be directed to the call and must choose the programme “Molecular Biology and Genetics”.
3. In the boxed named “Study”: In the dropdown menu, please choose: “Optical trapping of bacteria to control host-microbe interactions in the zebrafish gut (Otbchi)”

Please note:

• The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.
• The project will only be initiated if the graduate school/the faculty grants funding.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background