Job Description

Master Thesis Opportunity (6 months)

We are looking for a motivated second year master’s student to join the Raes Lab (VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology) for a thesis project for 6 months (next academic year) in gut microbiome research with Jeroen Raes, Muriel Derrien and Ruben Vazquez-Uribe!

Are you interested in:
·      Gut microbiome research
·      Physiology of anaerobic gut microbes
·      Nutrition-microbiome interactions

Project focus
This project centers on the phenotypic characterization of interesting gut microbial strains. You will contribute to the development of a high-throughput microbiology assay platform to systematically evaluate how biotic and abiotic factors influence microbial growth and behavior.

What you’ll gain
·      Hands-on experience with anaerobic culturing and gut microbes
·      Training in high-throughput experimental design and data generation
·      Exposure to state-of-the-art microbiome research in a collaborative lab environment

Who we’re looking for
A curious and motivated second year master’s student with:
·      Strong interest in microbiology and the gut microbiome
·      Willingness to work in a wet lab setting
·      Basic background in life sciences (biology, biomedical sciences, bioengineering, etc.)

📩 Interested or know someone who might be?
mira.stas@kuleuven.be