Master thesis - Cellular and Molecular Toxicity of Aerosols from E-liguid flavors
close to full time, Full time
Munich
Home Office Options
We are Helmholtz Munich. In a rapidly changing world, we discover breakthrough solutions for better health.
Our research is focused within the areas of metabolic health/diabetes, environmental health, molecular targets and therapies, cell programming and repair, bioengineering, and computational health. We particularly excel in the fields of basic research, bioengineering, artificial intelligence, and technological development.
Through this research, we build the foundations for medical innovation. Together with our partners, we seek to accelerate the transfer of our research, so that laboratory ideas can reach society and improve people’s quality of life at the fastest rate possible.
This is what drives us. Why not join us and make a difference?
Helmholtz Munich and the University of Rostock (Chair for Analytical Chemistry) jointly conduct research in the independent cooperation group Comprehensive Molecular Analytics (CMA). One focus of our work is the investigation of ambient aerosols, their sources and the related health effects on humans. The well-equipped laboratories of CMA are located in Munich Sendling with very good connections via public transport.
The aim of the project is to investigate the toxicity of commonly used flavorings in e-liquids. For this purpose, a selection of flavoring substances will be examined for toxicity in alveolar and bronchial epithelial cell models exposed at the air-liquid interface. Cells will be exposed to aerosols with a VITROCELL® Automated Exposure Station. Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, oxidative stress and inflammatory response will be then evaluated for understanding the toxic effects caused by the different flavors.
"We believe that excellent research requires a range of different perspectives. Diverse teams reach better solutions and are more innovative in their research topics.
Establishing our Diversity Management Strategy demonstrates our commitment to ensuring an appreciative company culture based on mutual respect. We are also implementing diversity-sensitive processes throughout our whole organization."
Your tasks
- Establishment, execution, and evaluation of in vitro cell exposures at air-liquid interface
- Generation and evaluation of cellular and molecular toxicology data
Your profile
- Master student in Biology / Biochemistry / Biomedical science or similar
- Basic knowledge and experience with cell culture and biological assays are required
- Interest in learning cellular and molecular toxicological methods
- Structured and independent working style and ability to work in a team
- Excellent spoken and written English language skills
Desirable qualifications
- Practical experience in mammalian cell culture practices
- Basic experience/knowledge in (nano) particle / aerosol toxicology issues
- Interest in aerosol science field and in multidisciplinary experimental research
Since 2005, we hold the TOTAL E-QUALITY award for exemplary action in the sense of an equal-opportunity organizational culture.
Helmholtz Munich is actively committed to diversity and inclusion in practice and is sustainably committed to equality.
The Diversity Charter has set itself the goal of promoting diversity in the world of work. By signing the charter, we commit ourselves to create an appreciative working environment for all employees.
Expected starting date: October 2024 - January 2025. Precondition is an enrollment at the University during the preparation of the master thesis.
We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion or age. Qualified applicants with physical disabilities will be given preference. If you have obtained a university degree abroad, we will require further documents from you regarding the comparability of your degree. Please request the Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications as early as possible.
