PhD student researching and developing alternative methods to animal testing (f/m/d)

PhD student researching and developing alternative methods to animal testing (f/m/d)

The following position is available immediately in the Experimental Toxicology and ZEBET department of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), subject to the allocation of funds:

PhD student researching and developing alternative methods to animal testing (f/m/d)

The BfR 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 BfR 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 Unithere on our homepage.

Tasks:

As part of funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the BfR 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
• 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

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:

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

The BfR welcomes applications from people of all nationalities.
The BfR is an innovative scientific institute offering family-friendly working conditions. for which it was awarded the “audit berufundfamilie” (work and family) certificate. The BfR 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.

Job details

Title

PhD student researching and developing alternative methods to animal testing (f/m/d)

2025-06-18 23:59 (Europe/Berlin)
2025-06-18 23:59 (CET)

"Identify risks - Protect health" - this is the guiding principle for the work of the BfR in the field of consumer health protection.