The working group “Alternative method development for environmental toxicity testing” led by Prof. Ellen Fritsche is looking for a student (f/m/d) for a Master Thesis with the title:
Development of animal-free in vitro test methods to identify chemicals that disturb human brain development by interfering in radial glia- and astrocyte-function.
The project:
Environmental chemicals that interfere in human brain development cause developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) leading to developmental disorders such as autism or ADHD. These chemicals are currently identified in animal studies that are time- and cost-intensive and raise severe ethical concerns. Therefore, alternative test methods have been developed that recapitulate key processes of human brain development in vitro. This project aims to close gaps within the available DNT in vitro test method portfolio by establishing novel test methods recapitulating the development of two crucial cell types within the human brain, radial glia (RG) and astrocytes, to improve the predictivity of in vitro DNT testing. The new RG and astrocyte test methods will be based on a multicellular model using human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) that has been intensively characterized in the Fritsche working group and applied in test methods studying chemical effects on NPC proliferation and differentiation into neurons and oligodendrocytes. Within this project culture conditions have been modified to enrich either proliferative migrating RG or maturing astrocytes, allowing the establishment of new RG- and astrocyte-specific test methods. As part of the test method set up, DNT-relevant test method endpoints have to be selected and both positive and negative controls have to be established. The new test methods modelling key neurodevelopmental functions of RG and astrocytes will then be challenged with a set of environmental chemicals consisting of chemicals evidently causing DNT in humans (positives) and chemicals that are harmless for the developing brain (negatives). You will work with an advanced multicellular cell model and learn different cell culture techniques when handling the 3D neurospheres. Moreover, the project includes different biochemical assays, immunocytochemical stainings, high content image analyses and gene expression analyses. Finally, your work will contribute to the development of novel animal-free test methods and the improvement of in vitro DNT testing.
Your profile:
- Our working group is looking for a motivated student with a high level of commitment, fun at work, motivation, communication skills and team spirit.
- You have a bachelor degree in life science (biology, (bio)medical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, bioengineering sciences, toxicology or equivalent).
- You have a good knowledge of the English language both written and oral.
- Experience with adherent and spheroid cell culture is desirable.
- Experience in the cultivation of primary cells and stem cells is advantageous.
We offer:
Based at the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia in Düsseldorf, within close vicinity to the Netherlands and Belgium, our institute hosts a vibrant community of international researchers. Our group focuses on the development and application of new approach methods (NAMs) by using state-of-the-art technology for medium to high throughput (liquid handling system, high content imaging, multi electrode arrays). Results from NAMs are used as starting points for Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) development. Hence, the candidate will get the chance to work with innovative 21st century toxicological methods in the field of developmental neurotoxicity (DNT).
Start:
As early as possible.
Please address your application (short letter of motivation, CV, qualification certificates), preferably electronically to Bewerbung@IUF-Duesseldorf.de:
Prof. Ellen Fritsche
IUF – Leibniz-Institut für umweltmedizinische Forschung
c/o Personalstelle
Auf’m Hennekamp 50
40225 Düsseldorf
Application documents submitted by post are not returned. Documents for applicants not considered are destroyed appropriately once the procedure is complete.
