Reference number 3705 - PhD student for the validation of a novel housing system for laboratory mice (f/m/d) in the Experimental Toxicology and 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.
You can find information on the remit of the Division here on our homepage.
Tasks
As part of the Refinement Reference Centre project funded by the BMBF, the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment is coordinating the sub-projects involving the design and validation of a housing system for mice and the analysis of the effects of housing conditions on the immune phenotype and immune resilience. The aim of the project is to analyse the effects of an animal-friendly housing system on the welfare of laboratory animals and to compare it with the current standard housing conditions. Indicators of well-being include both the behaviour of the animals and physiological parameters relating to stress, metabolism, body composition, bone and muscle health, and neuroplasticity. The effects of housing conditions on the immune phenotype and immune resilience of the animals are also being investigated. The activities include in detail:
- Participation in the design and validation of a novel housing system for laboratory animals
- Functional behavioural diagnostics using behavioural tests to characterise mice in terms of their cognitive, social and emotional behavioural spectrum
- Molecular and cell biology analyses of neuroplasticity, endocrinology and immunology using established techniques (e.g. immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, high-performance liquid chromatography, real-time PCR)
- Preparation of scientific publications and presentations at conferences and in expert committees in conjunction with business trips
Your profile
- Completed university degree (Master's, Diploma or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, neuroscience, (veterinary) medicine or a comparable field
- Comprehensive knowledge of behavioural biology/laboratory animal science and neurobiology
- Experience with cell biology and molecular biology methods
- Very good written and spoken English
- Very good IT skills in Office and statistics programmes
- A conscientious approach to work, flexibility, and good teamwork skill
Desired
- Proficiency in German
- Enthusiasm for working in a multidisciplinary environment
- Experience in handling laboratory animals (including breeding and care)
- Enthusiasm for scientific work and writing technical article
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 10 June 2025 via our External Link:online system.
The interviews are expected to be held in June 25 2025.
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. Lewejohann: T +49 30 18412-29200
E-Mail: Lars.Lewejohann@bfr.bund.de
You will find more information on our homepage: bfr.bund.de/de/en/working_at_the_bfr
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.