PhD Position in Animal Microbiomes and Antimicrobial Resistance

Doctorat / PhD Profil chercheur : First Stage Researcher (R1) Type de contrat : Temporary Date limite de candidature : 11 Dec 2026 - 00:00 (Europe/Riga) Date de début : 1 Jan 2027 Programme UE : European Union / Next Generation EU Référence : 1.1.1.5/2/24/A/002 Département : One Health Informatics Group Domaine : Biological sciences » Other

Duration: 3 years (full-time) Remuneration: 14 EUR gross per hour Application Deadline: December 11, 2026 About the Position The One Health Informatics Group at NIRI invites applications for a fully funded PhD position focusing on animal gut microbiomes, metagenomics, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The successful candidate will investigate microbial communities in livestock and agricultural systems, with particular interest in understanding how antimicrobial resistance develops and spreads. The research will combine microbiology, DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, and microbial ecology. What Will You Do? Study microbial communities in animal gut microbiomes. Investigate antimicrobial resistance genes and their distribution. Analyze DNA sequencing and metagenomic datasets. Learn laboratory and computational methods for microbiome research. Publish research findings and present at scientific conferences. Complete a PhD thesis as part of an international research team. Who Can Apply? We welcome applicants who have: A Master's degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Agriculture, Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Food Science, or a related discipline. A strong interest in animal microbiomes, gut microbiology, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), microbial ecology, or animal health . Scientific curiosity, enthusiasm for research, and a willingness to learn new techniques. Good analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and adaptability. Motivation to develop laboratory, metagenomics, bioinformatics, and data analysis skills. Good written and spoken English. The ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team. Previous experience in bioinformatics is an advantage but is not required. We particularly encourage applicants who demonstrate scientific curiosity, enthusiasm, and strong potential to develop as independent researchers. What We Offer Fully funded PhD position within the EchoHEALTH ERA Chair project in Riga, Latvia. Research training in metagenomics, microbiome science, antimicrobial resistance, bioinformatics, and relevant laboratory techniques. Access to advanced research facilities, including sequencing technologies and high-performance computing resources. Mentorship and supervision to develop scientific skills, critical thinking, and independent research capabilities. International collaboration opportunities with interdisciplinary researchers and research institutions. Professional development through scientific publications, conferences, workshops, and specialized training. Supportive and international research…