Postdoctoral Research Associate

The van Pijkeren Laboratory is looking for highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to unravel the molecular underpinnings by which dietary sugars promote bacteriophage production by the gut symbiont Limosilactobacillus reuteri (until recently known as Lactobacillus reuteri ). Using gnotobiotic animal studies we plan to determine the ecological ramifications of the interplay between sugars, phage production and L. reuteri gut fitness . The positions are funded by the National Institutes of Health.

We study the gut symbiont species L. reuteri . Our laboratory employs a broad combination of animal (disease) models, genomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics, which we combine with in-house developed high-throughput genome editing tools. We use these approaches to gain mechanistic insight into how L. reuteri promotes health, and how it can thrive in the competitive and complex gut ecosystem. In addition, we are very ambitious to develop L. reuteri as Next-Gen Probiotics that will ultimately be used in the clinic to treat disease.

We are looking for (molecular) microbiologists who are interested in gut health and want to learn more about the mechanisms that contribute to microbial diversity in the gut ecosystem. The candidate will learn state-of-the-art genome editing tools (CRISPR-Cas, single-stranded DNA recombineering) and gain in-depth understanding of the relevance of bacteriophages in the gut. In addition to this project, the van Pijkeren Laboratory offers candidates with unique opportunities to develop their own research program. Candidates can expect excellent guidance and support when applying for extramural awards (e.g. NIH K99/R00).

Located a couple of hours drive from downtown Chicago, Madison city is the capitol of Wisconsin and is home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison). UW-Madison is built on an isthmus and seemingly blends with the city of Madison, creating a unique and lively atmosphere. On campus, the candidate would be joining an excellent community of microbiologists where the basic and applied sciences blend.

Interested? Please send an email to vanpijkeren@wisc.edu with attached (1) a cover letter explaining your motivation; (2) your CV and (3) contact details of 2-3 references. Only applicants will be considered that hold a PhD in microbiology, or related field. Selection of candidates will start on a rolling basis.

The UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is committed to maintaining and growing a culture that embraces diversity, inclusion, and equity, believing that these values are foundational elements of our excellence and fundamental components of a positive and enriching learning and working environment for all students, faculty, and staff.
YourMembership. Keywords: Research Associate, Location: Madison, WI - 53706