PhD Student in Pharmacology - Microbiome (MICRO-PATH DTU)

About the role

Fully funded four-year PhD at the Luxembourg Institute of Health within the MICRO-PATH Doctoral Training Unit. The project investigates how gut microbiome-derived metabolites modulate G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and downstream signalling pathways in intestinal disease. Annual gross salary of EUR 44,000. Deadline: 17 July 2026.

Responsibilities

• Profile and quantify active metabolites secreted by gut microbiome communities using metabolomics and bioassay approaches.
• Characterise GPCR activation, signalling cascades, and receptor internalisation in intestinal epithelial and immune cell models.
• Develop in vitro co-culture systems that replicate host-microbiome interactions.
• Analyse data with GraphPad Prism, R, or Python and integrate multi-omics datasets.
• Contribute to the MICRO-PATH doctoral programme seminars, workshops, and external collaboration meetings.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international conferences.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience with cell culture, microbiology, and bioassay development.
• Basic molecular biology skills: PCR, cloning, gene expression analysis.
• Familiarity with GPCR pharmacology and signal transduction assays.
• Data analysis experience with at least one of GraphPad Prism, R, or Python.
• Fluent English (written and spoken); French is advantageous for daily life.
• Strong organisational skills and scientific curiosity.

Nice to have

• Experience with gut organoid or microfluidic gut-on-a-chip models.
• Background in metabolomics or microbiome sequencing (16S, shotgun metagenomics).
• Prior experience in a multi-partner European doctoral training unit.

How to apply

Apply via the Nature Careers portal at the apply link above. Upload a single PDF with your CV, a motivation letter (max 2 pages), academic transcripts, MSc diploma, a short research summary, and two reference contact details. Deadline: 17 July 2026. For questions, contact the MICRO-PATH DTU coordinator listed on the job page.