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

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Veröffentlicht:11 April 2025
Pensum:100%
Vertragsart:Temporär
Sprache:Englisch (Fliessend)
Arbeitsort:Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen

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 infractructure 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.

Sarah Stüdli,
Bereichspersonalleiterin / HR Partner