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.
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:
1. Establishing and maintaining intestinal and skin in vitro barrier models in the cell culture lab
2. Assessing barrier integrity using NaFlu (sodium fluorescein) size exclusion assays
3. Evaluating cell viability through MTT and LDH assays to determine cytotoxic effects and establish dose-response curves
4. Quantifying relevant protein expression via immunostaining techniques to assess molecular changes upon exposure
5. Analyzing the effects of different chemicals and materials on barrier functionality, viability and inflammatory responses
6. 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
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