Open Positions

1

Time Span

as soon as possible for 3 years

Application Deadline

18 Jun 2025

Financing

yes

Areas of study

Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology

Description

Reference number 3694: PhD student researching and developing alternative methods to animal testing (f/m/d) in the Experimental Toxicology and ZEBET department of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment)

Tasks

As part of funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment is working on the project 'InViTOP - In vitro test battery for screening pro- and anti-osteoporotic effects of new drug candidates' in collaboration with Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. The goal of this project is to significantly reduce, and in some areas completely replace, animal testing in the preclinical evaluation of drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis. To this end, an in vitro testing regime will be developed to assess the specified endpoints of osteoporosis, using well-defined and standardised analytical methods.

Specifically, the activities include:

• Research and development of alternative methods to animal testing for biomedical and toxicological applications
• Establishment of 2D cell culture and 3D organoid models and integration to microphysiological systems in the field of bone formation and osteoporosis
• Development of an in vitro test battery to assess drug candidates for potential pro- and anti-osteoporotic effects
• Contribution to the preparation of scientific publications and presentation of research results at conferences and in expert committees
• Support in supervising students' practical laboratory work

Your profile

• Completed university degree (Master's degree, diploma or comparable university degree) in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, toxicology or a comparable specialisation
• Conscientious and independent work style, strong commitment, flexibility, creativity and open-mindedness as well as ability to work in a team
• Enthusiasm for scientific work and writing specialised articles
• Practical experience in handling 2D and/or 3D cell cultures, for example using human primary cells
• Very good knowledge of written and spoken German and English

Desired

• Practical experience with the application of microphysiological systems
• Knowledge of bone physiology and pathophysiology
• Basic expertise in toxicology (e.g. through DGPT training courses or relevant study or work experience)
• Experience in the establishment of test systems

Full job description:

https://www.bfr.bund.de/en/career/job-advertisements/job-offer/reference-number-3694-phd-student-researching-and-developing-alternative-methods-to-animal-testing-f-m-d-in-the-experimental-toxicology-and-zebet-department-of-the-german-federal-institute-for-risk-assessment-bfr/