PhD Researchers (d/m/w) in Environmental Immunology

The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) with its 1,100 employees has gained an excellent reputation as an international competence centre for environmental sciences. We are part of the largest scientific organisation in Germany, the Helmholtz association. Our mission: Our research seeks to find a balance between social development and the long-term protection of our natural resources.

In the context of an interdisciplinary, international Horizon Europe project (coordination: Prof. Ana Zenclussen, UFZ), we will investigate the impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on human health. The project includes experiments with multiple innovative model systems such as primary cell cultures, 3D cultures, organoids and in vivo models as well as analysis of data obtained from various international cohort studies. The impact of relevant environmental chemicals on the immune system and how this impacts in health end points and pathologies will be investigated. Triangulation of in vitro, in vivo and cohort data will be the evidence base for policy briefs to inform the EU citizens about EDCs, their health effects and actions how their negative impact can be reduced.

Within the project we offer two PhD positions: 1) Focus on 3D culture models, placental organoids and alternative in vivo models such as zebrafish embryos 2) Focus on functional analysis of immune cell populations after chemical treatment and translation into mouse models

The positions will be filled subject to the formal approval of the funding body.

mandatory:

preferable: