PhD Researcher ‘in vitro to in vivo extrapolations in ecotoxicology’

The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) and QTOX are looking for a PhD researcher to work in Leipzig on in-vitro to in-vivo extrapolations in ecotoxicology

The job

Chemical risk assessment typically involves extrapolating effects observed in vitro and in vivo under laboratory conditions. These effects are then extrapolated and predicted at the ecosystem level. This task is challenging, and current extrapolation models have limitations because the models disregard several ecological processes, and there is a paucity of data for parameterization and validation. Therefore, QTOX will develop mechanistic knowledge and data-efficient modelling tools to bridge the gap between standard toxicity data (typically acute effects of single chemicals) and ecologically relevant endpoints arising from chronic, time-variable exposures to chemical mixtures.

Your tasks

  • Develop quantitative in-vitro to in-vivo extrapolation methods in ecotoxicology;
  • Measure the mixture effects of triclosan and copper or related organic-metal or organic-organic mixtures in cell assays;
  • Measure the uptake kinetics of single chemicals and mixtures into cell lines and develop a TK-TD model for cells;
  • Measure specific effects of environmental pollutants, mixtures and samples from mesocosms with high-throughput cellular bioassays;
  • Present results at international conferences and prepare publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals;
  • Actively participate in the QTOX training, dissemination, communication, and valorization program.

Your profile

  • Hold a Master’s in environmental sciences, biology, chemistry, bioanalysis, (eco)toxicology, environmental system analysis, geoecology or related areas, with a solid knowledge of environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology;
  • Have research experience with in vitro bioassays, toxicology or analytical chemistry;
  • Have skills in IT and modelling with a focus on mixture-models;
  • Possess a high degree of organisation and the ability to work independently;
  • Have excellent interpersonal and oral/written communication skills (English required, German desirable).

Additional Information

  • The host organization will employ you for 23 months. After this duration as an MSCA Doctoral Candidate, there is funding for the completion of the PhD with a regular UFZ contract.
  • The start date will be as of January 1st, 2025.
  • Doctoral candidates are offered a competitive remuneration based on the MSCA allowances in line with the MSCA WP 2021-2022. The gross monthly amount at UFZ corresponds to the amount for doctoral scholarship holders.
  • You will have the opportunity to be part of an MSCA Doctoral Network and benefit from the designed training programme offered by the UFZ and the QTOX consortium.
  • The selected candidate will participate in international secondments to other organisations within the QTOX network.

Application

The application deadline is July 31st, 2024. For more application details you can visit the UFZ job portal.