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)
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.
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 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
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?
The please apply by 18 June 2025 via our External Link:online system.
The interviews are expected to take place in the 28th calendar week.
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
Email: Marta.Barenys@bfr.bund.de
Dr Julia Scheinpflug: T +49 30 18412-29108
Email: Julia.Scheinpflug@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.