This setting controls the language of the user interface, including buttons, menus, and all site text. Select your preferred language for the best browsing experience.
Select the languages for job listings you want to see. This setting determines which job advertisements will be displayed to you.
You have already applied for this position.
For questions regarding your application, please contact the employer.
For technical assistance, reach out to our support team
here.
You have already applied for this position. You can instead create a job alert here.
Thank you for your application! An email confirmation has been sent to your email.
The following position is available immediately in the Experimental Toxicology and ZEBET department of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), subject to the allocation of funds:
PhD student researching and developing alternative methods to animal testing (f/m/d)
The BfR independently prepares expert opinions and statements on issues of food, feed and chemical safety and consumer health protection in Germany on the basis of internationally recognised scientific evaluation criteria. It advises the Federal Government and other institutions and interest groups in these areas. The BfR thus makes an important contribution to the protection of human health.
The position is part-time, with 65% of the regular weekly working hours (currently 25.35 hours) and should be used for a doctorate. Participation in the accompanying doctoral program is compulsory. This serves to impart both scientific and methodological knowledge and offers the opportunity to regularly present doctoral projects in internal events and benefit from scientific exchange.
You can find information on the remit of the Unit here on our homepage.
Tasks:
As part of funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the BfR 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
What we can offer you
Trust-based working hours
30 days’ annual leave (5-day week) plus 24 and 31 December as non-working days
Attractive subsidy for the company ticket (Deutschlandticket Job)
Possibility of hybrid working
Very good connection to the public transport network
Comprehensive further training opportunities for professional and personal development
VBL company pension / Capital accumulation benefits
The BfR welcomes applications from people of all nationalities. The BfR is an innovative scientific institute offering family-friendly working conditions. for which it was awarded the “audit berufundfamilie®” (work and family) certificate. The BfR guarantees equal career opportunities for women and men. In the case of equal suitability, severely disabled applicants will be given preferential consideration and are only required to have a minimum level of physical suitability.
Job details
Title
PhD student researching and developing alternative methods to animal testing (f/m/d)
