Laboratory Introduction The Kundu Lab studies functional microbiomics and stem cells, particularly neuronal and intestinal stem cells. We have recently shown that maternal gut microbiota programs fetal stem cells, revealing mechanisms by which microbial metabolites during pregnancy impact offspring development, long-term health, behavior and disease recovery (Dang et al, Cell Stem Cell, 2025). Additionally, we have uncovered a unique symbiotic mechanism by which colonic crypt microbiota safeguards the host against colorectal cancer initiation (Zhang et al, Nature Microbiology, 2025). We are currently investigating how gut microbiota–stem cell interactions shape complex physiological and pathophysiological processes, such as development, ageing, and cancer. Our hypothesis-driven research employs an integrative systems biology approach, combining gnotobiotic and transgenic animal models, multi-omics, neurosphere/organoid systems, and human cohort studies. Major Research Projects 1. Influence of maternal gut microbiota on child’s neuronal and intestinal stem cells– link to disease susceptibility later in life. 2. Role of gut microbiome- intestinal stem cell crosstalk in tumorigenesis. 3. Importance of Bacteriophages in modulating the gut microbiome: impact on host stem cells. Open Position Research Assistant Main Responsibilities 1) Expected to perform experiments in stem cell biology and gut microbiota involving transgenic mouse lines. 2) Handle basic microbiology techniques. 3) Perform cell culture and ex vivo experiments. 4) Perform basic molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, histological and microscopic techniques. Qualifications 1)Applicants should have a Master degree in microbiology or cell biology or neurobiology. 2)Experience in microbiology/ bacteriophages or stem cell biology or epigenetics and animal experimentation are preferred. 3)Applicants must be highly motivated, have a broad technical expertise, proficient in English comm