Two PhD positions are available at the Pharmacological Institute of Heidelberg University to study PFAS Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs). The first position is in the field of environmental toxicology and the second is in the field of tissue engineering, both looking at of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Environmental Toxicology
Are you passionate about environmental toxicology and eager to unravel the effects of PFAS chemicals on aquatic organisms? Our newly founded junior research group in the field of tissue engineering at the Institute of Pharmacology at Heidelberg University is investigating PFAS at the interface of human and environmental toxicology and is looking for a PhD student to study the mechanisms and effects of PFAS in the zebrafish embryo. In this interdisciplinary research project, they investigate the effects of PFAS at multiple biological levels, with a special focus on the cardiovascular and endocrine systems. Their goal is to identify PFAS-sensitive signalling pathways early on and help develop novel biomarkers for toxicological risk assessment. By working at the intersection of human and environmental toxicology, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) and drive the development of New Approach Methods (NAMs)—paving the way for a more sustainable and responsible management of environmental chemicals.
Field of Research and Methodological Focus
PFAS Toxicity and Underlying Mechanisms in Zebrafish Embryos
- Analysis of PFAS effects across different biological levels by combining molecular biology techniques (gene expression, metabolomics, transcriptomics) and histological
methods (endocrine organs, eye histology) - Physiological investigations of cardiovascular effects (heart rate measurements, circulation analysis, live imaging)
- Behavioural analyses to assess neurotoxicity and developmental impairments (swimming behaviour, light response)
Development of Ecotoxicological Endpoints for PFAS Effects
- Application of current OECD fish test protocols to evaluate effects in aquatic model
systems (OECD TG 236, Zebrafish FET Test) - Investigation of endpoints for detecting neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and endocrine
disruption caused by PFAS
AOP Development and Interdisciplinary Research
- Investigation of causal relationships across different biological levels
- Support for the (further) development of Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) in toxicology
Your Profile
They are looking for highly motivated graduates with a Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Toxicology, Pharmacy, or a related field, who are enthusiastic about independent scientific work and can demonstrate practical teamwork skills. Applicants should have knowledge or previous experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Experience in fish husbandry, care, and working with zebrafish (both wild-type and
transgenic lines) - Familiarity with OECD test protocols, particularly OECD TG 236 (FET test) and other
ecotoxicological fish tests - Expertise in molecular biology and biochemical methods (gene expression analysis,
metabolomics, transcriptomics) - Experience in histological investigations and microscopic techniques (paraffin and
cryo-histology, immunohistochemistry) - Knowledge of endocrine organ analysis (thyroid, gonads), as well as neuronal and cardiovascular structures
- Experience in behavioural analysis (swimming behaviour, light response)
- Understanding of Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) in toxicology
- Independent and committed working style, as well as strong teamwork skills
- Very good proficiency in English, both written and spoken
Tissue Engineering
Are you fascinated by the latest biotechnological technologies and want to conduct research at the interface between biomedicine and toxicology? The newly established junior research group in Tissue Engineering at the Institute of Pharmacology at Heidelberg University is looking for a PhD student to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of PFAS substances in human cardiac organoid models. Their interdisciplinary research project combines essential basic research with the applied development of sensitive biomarkers in iPSC-derived human cardiac organoids. The aim is to detect PFAS-induced adverse effects and to decipher their mechanisms. Innovative tissue engineering methods are combined with molecular biology, histology, and physiological applications to develop new approaches to toxicological testing guidelines.
If you are interested in cardiovascular research and are enthusiastic about state-of-the-art tissue engineering in toxicology, we look forward to receiving your application!
Field of Research and Methodological Focus
- PFAS Toxicology in Human Heart Organoid Models: Investigating the effects of PFAS
on the cardiovascular system using iPSC-derived human 2D beating cardiomyocytes
and advanced 3D organoid models - Bioengineering and Organoid Technologies: application and further development of
innovative bioengineering technologies for the generation and characterization of human cardiac organoids - AOP Development: Investigation of causal relationships at different biological levels and contribution to the (further) development of Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) in toxicological research
- Interdisciplinary Research: Collaboration with experts from the fields of ecotoxicology,
human toxicology and biomedicine to develop innovative test strategies and biomarkers for the OECD guidelines - Molecular biological investigations to identify PFAS-induced effects at the molecular
and cellular levels - Histological analyses and immunohistochemical approaches to investigate tissue
changes in organoids and investigation of biomarkers for fibrosis and inflammation in
the various tissue layers - Physiological studies on cardiac organoids, in particular, Ca²⁺ measurements using
Fura-2-AM to determine the effects of PFAS on contraction and the development of
arrhythmias
Your Profile
They are looking for a highly motivated graduate with a master’s degree in Biosciences, Biotechnology, Toxicology, Pharmacy or a related field with a strong interest in independent scientific research and who can demonstrate practical teamwork skills. Applicants should have knowledge or previous experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Experience cultivating and differentiating human induced pluripotent stem cells, cardiomyocytes and organoids and experience with subsequent characterisation methods.
- Proficiency in molecular biological and biochemical methods, including gene expression analysis using OMICs approaches, metabolomics, proteomics, or secretome analysis. Basic bioinformatics knowledge for analyzing genomics/OMICs data is advantageous
- Experience with histological techniques (paraffin histology, vibratome sectioning, cryostat histology, immunohistochemistry)
- Experience in physiological measurements within cardiovascular research (e.g. Ca²⁺ im-
aging) - Independent and commited working style, as well as strong teamwork skills
- Very good proficiency in English, both written and spoken
The offer
- Exciting research on forward-looking topics with direct translational relevance
- Modern laboratory equipment and innovative technologies
- Interdisciplinary and networked collaboration with leading scientists and ins]tu]ons
in the fields of (environmental) toxicology and biomedicine - Active participation in scientific events and conferences
- Access to targeted training in ecotoxicology, 3R, tissue engineering, biomedicine, cardiovascular research
- An excellent working atmosphere – we are a dynamic, young team of a newly established junior research group
Application
Please send your application documents (motivation letter, CV, relevant certificates) by
March 15 to Dr. Lisa Marie Gölz (lisa.goelz@pharma.uni-heidelberg.de).
Dr. Lisa Marie Gölz
Pharmacological Institute of Heidelberg University
Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120 Heidelberg
Both positions are initially limited to three years, with remuneration based on the TV-L.
You can refer to the original posts on environmental toxicology and tissue engineering for more information.