Doctoral position (DC8) open at RSU within the BioTransform MSCA project

Rīga Stradiņš University is accepting applications for a doctoral position (DC8) in the BioTransform MSCA doctoral network, which focuses on in vitro microsomal metabolism of dialysates produced in the GIDM-Colon and activity of metabolites.

Project description

BioTransform is a multidisciplinary doctoral network aiming to investigate the role of health-promoting constituents found in food products (food bioactives, FB), focusing on their metabolism. FBs coexist with nutrients, but they are biologically active compounds present in our diet and characterised by great structural variability and biological properties. Despite the imperative role of gut microbiota in health maintenance and disease prevention, the available information regarding FB metabolism remains scarce, and the biotransformation occurring in the human organism is highly unexplored. Thus, the goal of BioTransform is to combine state-of-the-art methods, technologies, and approaches in a complementary and integrated way to reveal the impact of FBs and their metabolites (biotransformation products) on health and disease. To this end, human pilot studies, in vitro and in silico metabolism simulation methods, gut microbiota sequencing, metabolite profiling, and metabolomics will be employed. Metabolites will be biologically profiled through biochemical and cell-based assays. In BioTransform, the metabolism of olive and bilberry FBs (secoiridoids, phenols, and polyphenols), which are European flagship food products with proven activity in metabolism-related pathologies, will be systematically investigated. 

Main responsibilities

1. Experimental studies of in vitro microsomal metabolism;
2. Analytical UPLC-MS/MS method development for the metabolites emerging from microsomal metabolism experiments of the dialysates from the GIDM-colon model; identification of metabolites;
3. Experimental studies of ADMET properties of metabolites, and their activity in glucose uptake, mitochondrial functionality, inflammation, and insulin signalling pathway assays.

Expected results

1. Identification of microsomal metabolites (intestinal & liver) of dialysate compounds produced in the GIDM-Colon;
2. Proof-of-concept studies in experimental models to profile possible biological activities of metabolites; 
3. Discovery and characterisation of novel compounds/metabolites demonstrating the anti-obesity and/or anti-diabetes activity.

Host laboratory

RSU is the leading and most advanced medical higher education and research institution in the Baltic region. The Faculty of Pharmacy at RSU is equipped with modern laboratories covering a wide range of research areas, including pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacognosy, and phytochemistry. Its research infrastructure supports advanced analytical methods such as HPLC–MS/MS, GC–HS/FID, ICP–MS/MS, DSC, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and XRD, and includes the Finished Dosage Forms Laboratory. In collaboration with the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, which is the leading drug research institute in the Baltic region, the metabolic activity of identified metabolites will be analysed, and preclinical testing of these metabolites will be performed to assess their biological effects.

What we offer

• A thorough scientific education in the frame of a doctoral training programme.
• A strong involvement in a cutting edge European research project with high international visibility.
• participation in complementary international secondments to other organisations involved in the BioTransform network, and in specific international courses, workshops, conferences and outreach activities.
• A prestigious three-year MSCA Fellowship.
• A competitive salary based on the MSCA allowances in line with the MSCA WP 2023-2025, including mobility and family allowance.
• Depending on the host organisation, and following a positive evaluation, additional funding for a maximum of 12 months may be provided to complete a four-year doctoral degree.
• Supervisision by an interdisciplinary and intersectoral Supervisory Team.

Specific eligibility conditions and selection criteria

• Master’s degree in pharmacy, life sciences, or related field;
• Hands-on experience in preclinical testing methods;
• Experience with analytical techniques used for phytochemistry (e.g., LC/MS);
• Experience working with scientific literature and databases (SciFinder, Science Direct, etc.);
• English language proficiency.

Required documents

• Motivation letter (limit of 2,500 characters) explaining why you wish to be considered for the fellowship and which qualities and experience you will bring to the role. Also mention from which date onwards you are available.
• A recent CV, including a transcript of study results.
• A final degree certificate in English. If, at the time of application, candidates should not be yet in possession of a degree certificate, they should submit it before final enrolment.
• Contact information of two reference contact persons.

Enquiries

For general information about the BioTransform Doctoral Network, visit the project's website.

For additional information on this project, please contact Prof. Maija Dambrova (maija[pnkts]dambrovarsu[pnkts]lv)