Research Assistant (100%) – Investigating the impact of 2D Materials, pesticides and chemicals [...]

Karlstad University; Hannover; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

An innovative research institution is seeking a Research Assistant to investigate the impact of 2D materials, pesticides, and chemicals on biological barriers. This role involves establishing in vitro models, assessing barrier integrity, and analyzing molecular responses to various substances. You'll work in a stimulating environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure and collaborate with experts across disciplines. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research aimed at ensuring human and environmental safety. If you're passionate about science and eager to make a difference, this role is perfect for you.

Leistungen

Stimulating research environment

Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure

Collaboration with experts

Support for personal development

Qualifikationen

• MSc. in biology or related field required.
• Experience with cell culture and microscopy is essential.

Aufgaben

• Establish and maintain in vitro barrier models in the lab.
• Assess barrier integrity and evaluate cell viability.

Kenntnisse

Cell culture work

Microscopy

Immunochemical staining

Data analysis

English proficiency

Ausbildung

MSc. degree in biology

MSc. degree in toxicology

MSc. degree in life sciences

Jobbeschreibung

Research Assistant (100%) – Investigating the impact of 2D Materials, pesticides and chemicals on the intestinal and skin barrier using in vitro co-culture models

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

The Nanomaterials in Health Lab enables particle-based solutions for diagnostics and therapeutics driven by clinical needs. We are active in characterizing, understanding and steering the interaction of particulate materials with human cells or tissues and provide expertise in the interdisciplinary field of particulate materials safety and applications for industry or authorities.

Your tasks
Understanding the effects of 2D materials, pesticides and chemicals on biological barriers is crucial for assessing their potential risks to human health. The intestinal and skin barriers serve as primary defense mechanisms and their disruption can lead to systemic exposure, toxicity or inflammatory responses. This project aims to evaluate barrier integrity, cell viability and molecular responses using advanced in vitro biobarrier models. It is part of the EU CHIASMA project, aiming to develop and demonstrate a comprehensive set of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and integrate them into a user-friendly, reliable and robust framework for human and environmental safety evaluation in a regulatory context.

Your key tasks will include:

• Establishing and maintaining intestinal and skin in vitro barrier models in the cell culture lab
• Assessing barrier integrity using NaFlu (sodium fluorescein) size exclusion assays
• Evaluating cell viability through MTT and LDH assays to determine cytotoxic effects and establish dose-response curves
• Quantifying relevant protein expression via immunostaining techniques to assess molecular changes upon exposure
• Analyzing the effects of different chemicals and materials on barrier functionality, viability and inflammatory responses
• Documenting, analyzing, and interpreting experimental results

Your profile

• MSc. degree in biology, toxicology, life sciences or a related field
• High motivation to work in an interdisciplinary project
• Experience with cell culture work
• Expertise in microscopy and immunochemical stainings
• Skills in data analysis and interpretation
• Proficient in both written and spoken English

Our offer

• A highly stimulating research environment in the Empa laboratories in St.Gallen
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment
• Opportunity for close collaborations with experts from different fields (engineers, chemists, clinicians)
• Support for personal development

The project will be carried out at Empa St.Gallen under the supervision of Dr. Tina Buerki-Thurnherr. The position is available starting from September 2025 or upon agreement, for an initial duration of 1 year.

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.

We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.

Job details

Title

Research Assistant (100%) – Investigating the impact of 2D Materials, pesticides and chemicals on the intestinal and skin barrier using in vitro co-culture models

Empa, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, conducts cutting-edge materials and technology research.