The job
During pregnancy, the placenta acts as a barrier, protecting the fetus by selectively allowing beneficial molecules to pass through while filtering out harmful substances. However, some chemicals can overcome this filter and reach the fetus, including endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs). These chemicals are ubiquitous in the environment, interfere with the endocrine system, can accumulate in the body, and therefore, may impact the fetus’ health. However, their influence on the integrity of the placental barrier remains unclear. As a part of the European consortium ENDOMIX (https://endomix.eu/), we are interested in investigating how EDCs affect placental barrier function and integrity.
Therefore, placental cells and 3D co-culture placental barrier models will be exposed to single EDCs and chemical mixtures. The core of your project will be cell culture. Depending on your interests, you can choose to focus either on barrier integrity studies, thus setting up the co-culture model, or on cellular response analyses using a placental cell monolayer. This gives you the opportunity to gain practical experience in cell culture and either barrier integrity assays (e.g., TEER, permeability assays) or molecular biology methods (e.g., microscopy, qPCR, ELISA, immunofluorescence).
The laboratory work will be carried out at UFZ Campus Leipzig. You will work closely together with a doctoral researcher, but also free to develop your approach.
Your tasks
- Maintenance and subculture of placental cell lines (e.g., BeWo b30)
- Possibility to apply an established co-culture model for testing placental barrier integrity
- Exposure of cells to EDCs and analysis of cellular endpoints
- Planning and conducting experiments for assessing cellular responses to EDCs by using microscopy, qPCR, ELISA, or immunofluorescence techniques
- Monitor barrier integrity in the co-culture model: TEER, permeability assays
- Data documentation, analysis, and interpretation\Participate in group meetings and present results
We offer
- Excellent supervision that supports your personal and professional development
- Exciting insights into the work of a leading research institute
- The chance to work in interdisciplinary, international teams and benefit from a wide range of perspectives
- The opportunity to contribute and actively shape your own ideas and impulses
right from the start - Modern technical equipment and IT service to optimally support your work
Your profile
- Background in Biology, Biochemistry, Toxicology, Reproductive Biology, or a related field
- Highly interested in placental biology and laboratory work
- Motivated to work independently and in a team
- Previous hands-on experience in lab work
- Experience with cell culture is a plus
- Basic knowledge of Excel
- Fluent in spoken and written English
Apply here: https://recruitingapp-5128.de.umantis.com/Vacancies/3179/Description/2