Reference number 3707 - Doctoral candidate for research and development of alternative methods to animal testing (f/m/d) in the Experimental Toxicology an ZEBET department of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment)
The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment 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 BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment 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.
The position is limited to a total of three years, of which 1.5 years will be spent at the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment in Berlin (65% E13 TVöD) and 1.5 years at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (TiHo). Depending on the candidate's qualifications, the position at TiHo will be classified as 65% TV-L 13 or 65% TV-L 14. You can find information on the remit of the Unit here on our homepage.
Tasks
The German Centre for the Protection of Animals Used in Research (Bf3R) promotes and develops alternative methods to animal testing (e.g. cell culture and organoid models). As part of a third-party grant from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment is working in collaboration with the University of Veterinary Medicine (TiHo) in Hanover on the project ‘Neuro-IUGR - Humanization of a neurosphere model of intrauterine growth restricted neurodevelopment’. The aim is to develop a human neurosphere disease model without the use of laboratory animals and to test the efficacyPositive Predictive ValueTo glossary and safety of new neuroprotective therapeutics. The activities include in detail:
- Research and development work on/for animal-free alternative methods for biomedical and toxicological research
- Establishment and characterisation of 2D cell culture and 3D sphere models based on human primary cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)
- Using multi-electrode arrays to evaluate the activity of neural network formation
- Testing the inter-laboratory reproducibility of the model between the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, and the TiHo, Hannover
- Preparation of scientific publications and presenting results at conferences and in expert committees
- Assisting in the supervision of students' practical laboratory work
Your profile
- Completed university degree (Master's, Diploma or comparable university degree) in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, veterinary medicine, pharmacology, toxicology or a comparable field.
- Enthusiasm for scientific work and writing articles
- Practical experience in working with 2D and/or 3D cell cultures
- Very good written and spoken German and English
Desired
- Experience with stem cell-based models of neurodevelopment is an advantage
- Experience in microscopy and automated image analysis
- Basic knowledge of toxicology (e.g. through DGPT training courses or relevant studies / professional
experience) - Experience in establishing test methods
- Conscientious and independent way of working, high level of commitment, flexibility, creativity and open mindedness, as well as the ability to work in a team
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
- Employee welfare (AWO) family service
Application process
Does this position appeal to you?
Then please apply by 13 August 2025 via our External Link:online system.
Please direct any questions in connection with the application process to bewerbung@bfr.bund.de. (Please do not send applications to this e-mail address)
If you are unable to apply online, please send your application by post to:
Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung
Personalreferat
Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10
10589 Berlin
Please address any questions about the area of responsibility to:
Prof. Dr. Marta Barenys: T +49 30 18412-29100
E-Mail: Marta.Barenys@bfr.bund.de
Dr. Britta Kühne: T +49 30 18412-29106
E-Mail: Britta.Kuehne@bfr.bund.de
You will find more information on our homepage.
The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment welcomes applications from people of all nationalities.
The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment is an innovative scientific institute offering family-friendly working conditions. for which it was awarded the “audit berufundfamilie®” (work and family) certificate. The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment 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.