Function: PhD fellow (1.0 fte) on PhD project "Fermentation in the gut prolongs satiety"

Job description: The chair group Nutrition, Metabolism and Genomics of the Division of Human Nutrition, together with research groups in the field of animal sciences, plant sciences and human nutrition, will carry out the project ‘Fermentation in the gut prolongs satiety’. This project aims to estimate the potential contribution of dietary fiber to the regulation of satiety and to elucidate their mode of action, using the pig as a model. The potential role of the large intestine in the regulation of satiety and prevention of high caloric intakes has often been overlooked. Dietary fiber escapes enzymatic digestion in the small intestine, can be fermented in the large intestine and thereby affect feelings of satiety. Studies will include effects of fiber sources on behavioral indicators of satiety, postprandial nutrient and hormonal responses and gene expression and proteome analyses in plasma, liver and different segments of the gastrointestinal tract of normal and obese pigs.

Two PhD students and a post-doc researcher will be involved in this project. The PhD student required in this call will focus his research on the elucidation of the molecular basis of changes in gene and protein expression by means of whole genome microarray and proteome analyses. In particular the role of fermentation products such as short chain fatty acids in modulation of gene expression will be studied. He/she closely collaborates with the other PhD student which will focus on the behavioral and physiological markers. The candidate will mainly be working at the Nutrition, Metabolism and Genomics Group (www.nutrigene.4t.com) in collaboration with the Adaptation Physiology Group of Wageningen University.

Job description: PhD will focus his/her research on the estimation of the potential contribution of dietary fiber to the regulation of satiety and to elucidate their molecular mode of action, using the pig as a model.

Requirements: 

We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate with strong interest in molecular physiology, a good organizer and team player

-          MSc in human or animal nutrition, molecular nutrition, molecular life sciences, or medical biology

-          Experience with molecular biological techniques

-          Willing to work with experimental animals

-          Good background in gut physiology is a pro

-          Broad, multidisciplinary scientific interest

-          Excellent social and communication skills

-          Proficiency in English (both oral and written)

Conditions of employment

Estimated maximum salary per month: 2000 - 2500 Euro (Salary scale 10)

Maximum salary amount in Euro's a month 2558

Employment basis: Temporary for specified period

Duration of the contract: 1,5 year + 2,5 years

Maximum hours per week: 38

Information:

Additional information can be obtained from Prof. dr. Michael Müller, tel 0317-482589, e-mail michael.muller@wur.nl or Dr Guido Hooiveld, tel. 0317-485788, e-mail: guido.hooiveld@wur.nl, Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University. Please have a look at the website of the chair group for more information: http://nutrigene.4t.com

Applications (open until end of July 2008):