PhD Position in the Field of Tissue Engineering (m/f/d)
is available at the earliest date possible at the Pharmacological Institute of Heidelberg University.
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. Our 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!
- Job-ID: V000013760
- Field of application: Pharmakologisches Institut
- Location: Heidelberg
- Start date: as of now
- Job Category: Science and teaching
- Working hours: Part time (65 %)
- Published: 04.02.2025
- Limitation:Temporary (3 years)
- Contract:TV-L
Field of Research
- 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
Methodological Focus: - 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
We 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 characterization 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⁺ imaging)
- Independent and committed working style, as well as strong teamwork skills
- Very good proficiency in English, both written and spoken
We 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 institutions in the fields of (environmental) toxicology and biomedicine
- Active participation in scientific events and conferences
- Access to targeted training in bioengineering, disease modelling and toxicology
- An excellent working atmosphere – we are a dynamic, young team of a newly established junior research group
Contact & Application
Please send your application documents (motivation letter, CV, relevant certificates) by March 15 to lisa.goelz@pharma.uni-heidelberg.de.
Pharmakologisches Institut
Dr. Lisa Marie Gölz
Im Neuenheimer Feld 366
69120 Heidelberg
lisa.goelz@pharma.uni-heidelberg.de
Note: The UKHD is subject to the provisions of the Infektionsschutzgesetz. Therefore, a valid measles immunity certificate is required for all persons employed at the UKHD.
The UKHD embraces diversity and values diversity.
Regardless of age, gender, sexual identity, disability, origin or religion, we offer everyone the same opportunities. If one gender is underrepresented in a particular area, we place particular emphasis on counteracting this imbalance. If they have the same aptitude, qualifications and professional performance, we give priority to people with severe disabilities when considering them for vacancies.
