PhD on the effect of nutrition on children with ADHD

Are you a curious and enthusiastic person? Do you enjoy working with children in a clinical environment? Are you fluent in Dutch? Will you rise to the challenge of working in an interdisciplinary context? Then this PhD vacancy may be of interest to you!

We, Wageningen University and Research, have an opening to conduct research on the effect of nutrition on the gut-microbiome, brain and behavior of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). As a PhD student you will be managing a controlled dietary intervention trial in children with ADHD. This trial will contain many measurements including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) as well as lab measurements of stool, blood and urine samples. This project is a collaboration between Wageningen Food Safety Research and the Laboratory of Microbiology of Wageningen University.

What will you be doing?
The PhD will comprise of:

• piloting and optimizing the test procedures;
• coordinating and managing the clinical trial, including recruitment and participant contact;
• analysis and interpretation of MRI, microbiome and metabolomics data;
• contributing to the writing of peer-reviewed manuscripts on the project results;
• presenting findings to key project stakeholders and the scientific community.

Since this project covers the topics of nutrition and health, neuroscience, bioinformatics and microbiology this offers the opportunity to learn many new things and the freedom to choose to focus on one of these areas.

The work is part of the 2ndBRAIN study on the effect of a few-foods diet in children with ADHD. Previous studies have shown promising effects of a few-foods diet, which led to significant improvements in ADHD symptoms in 33-64% of children. However, following a few-foods diet and the subsequent food reintroduction phase requires an enormous effort of both the child and parents, limiting its applicability as an approach to treat ADHD. Therefore, we aim to assess the effects of an few-foods diet in children with ADHD on behavioral symptoms, brain activation, and the microbiome-gut-brain axis. The goal of the study is to potentially refine this approach and more accurately identify the children who could benefit from it. More info about the previous project can be found HERE. This website shows the context and starting point of the 2nd BRAIN study.

Requirements:

You have a MSc in Nutrition and Health, Bioinformatics, Data Science for Food and Health, Neuroscience, or another field relevant for this project.

• you have a background or demonstrable interest in nutrition;
• you have the ability to work effectively with children, including strong communication and interpersonal skills suitable for engaging with young participants in a clinical trial setting;
• you have good planning and organizational skills.

As you will be working with children taking part in a clinical trial we expect to have excellent interpersonal communication skills in Dutch.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

Salary Benefits:

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• the option to accrue additional compensation hours by working more, per week;
• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed December bonus of 8,3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.
The gross salary for the first year is € 2.726 ,– per month rising to € 3.484,- in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreement Wageningen Research Foundation (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 36 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well.

There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “ Best University ” in the Netherlands for the 19th consecutive time.

Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. We can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

36 hours per week

Droevendaalsesteeg