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 (PARC) with the title:
Refinement of in vitro assays towards a regulatory use for developmental and acute neurotoxicity testing of chemicals.
The project:
Developmental (DNT) and acute (ANT) neurotoxicity are currently assessed by different OECD guideline animal studies, which are very resource-intense and not suited for studying the adverse effects of large numbers of chemicals. Therefore, animal-free new approach methods are needed to study important key events of human brain development. In the last years, a DNT in vitro testing battery (IVB) has been assembled, including various ready-to-use methods, but nevertheless, gaps have been identified that need to be closed. An ANT IVB is currently missing.
The project focuses on two in vitro test methods for the assessment of neural network formation and function, regarding DNT and ANT. The two test systems are based on human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) that are established in our lab. However, test methods need to be refined and validated to increase their throughput and readiness for regulatory application. In this regard, these test methods will be challenged with pathway modulators and a defined set of reference chemicals to assess the biological relevance and the performance of the respective test method. The refinement of the two test systems will contribute to the respective IVB and will enhance their readiness for regulatory acceptance in the future.
Additional information on the project: https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/presse/pressemitteilungen/parc-eu-forschungspartnerschaft-zur-risikobewertung
Your profile:
- You are a motivated student.
- You have fun at work, good communication skills, and team spirit.
- You are enthusiastic, curious, and wish to move science forward.
- You have a bachelor degree in life/environmental sciences (biology, (bio)medical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, bioengineering sciences, (eco)toxicology, environmental health, or equivalent). Experience in neuroscience is a plus.
- You have good written and oral knowledge of the English language.
- Experience with cell culture is desirable, especially stem cell culture.
We offer:
- Master thesis project focused on the current needs of the European risk assessment.
- Implementation of your work into tools for regulatory application.
- Being part of a big international consortium to build your professional network.
- Help the world in the transition to animal-free methods.
- Pleasant working atmosphere and friendly team.
Start: April 2023
Please address your application (short letter of motivation, CV, qualification certificates) with the reference “Master PARC” in the subject line as one summarized document in PDF electronically to bewerbung@iuf-duesseldorf.de:
Prof. Ellen Fritsche & Dr. Kristina Bartmann
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.
