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Master student position in Environmental Neurotoxicity
Chemical pollutants in water bodies pose a major environmental threat. Among other effects, they can affect the neurophysiology of aquatic organisms, impairing their chances of survival. Neuroactive chemicals specifically act on key central nervous system molecules, leading to adverse neurological effects. Current environmental risk assessment of neurotoxicity still largely relies on fish testing, which is not only time- and resource-intensive but also focuses primarily on behavioral changes and mortality, without providing mechanistic insights into neurotoxic effects. Here, we propose a rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) brain cell line (RTbrain) as an animal-free alternative for the neurotoxicity assessment of environmental pollutants.
Keywords: Aquatic toxicology, neurotoxicity, molecular Biology, in vitro assays, alternatives to animal testing
The student will conduct experiments on the RTbrain cell line to evaluate various neurotoxicological endpoints, analyze cellular responses, and contribute to the development of a comprehensive in vitro neurotoxicity testing battery. Through this project, the student will gain hands-on experience in cell culture techniques, and learn to perform different in vitro toxicity assays using a set of chemicals (e.g. pharmaceuticals and pesticides) with different mechanisms of neurotoxicity. The bioassays include multi-endpoint cytotoxicity techniques (evaluating changes in metabolic activity, membrane integrity and lysosome function), gene expression analysis (RT-qPCR) to investigate molecular response, and cellular staining with fluorescent microscopy for visualizing specific cellular changes.
Suitable candidates for this project should have an interest in toxicology and in advancing alternative to animal testing in research. The student is expected to have a background in environmental science, biology, biochemistry or related disciplines. Prior laboratory experience is a plus.
Start date: To be discussed, but preferably as soon as possible.
The student will conduct experiments on the RTbrain cell line to evaluate various neurotoxicological endpoints, analyze cellular responses, and contribute to the development of a comprehensive in vitro neurotoxicity testing battery. Through this project, the student will gain hands-on experience in cell culture techniques, and learn to perform different in vitro toxicity assays using a set of chemicals (e.g. pharmaceuticals and pesticides) with different mechanisms of neurotoxicity. The bioassays include multi-endpoint cytotoxicity techniques (evaluating changes in metabolic activity, membrane integrity and lysosome function), gene expression analysis (RT-qPCR) to investigate molecular response, and cellular staining with fluorescent microscopy for visualizing specific cellular changes. Suitable candidates for this project should have an interest in toxicology and in advancing alternative to animal testing in research. The student is expected to have a background in environmental science, biology, biochemistry or related disciplines. Prior laboratory experience is a plus.
Start date: To be discussed, but preferably as soon as possible.
This project aims to evaluate the neurotoxic effects of chemicals using our in vitro fish brain model, with the goal of selecting and validating bioassays for neurotoxicity screening
This project aims to evaluate the neurotoxic effects of chemicals using our in vitro fish brain model, with the goal of selecting and validating bioassays for neurotoxicity screening
Supervisors: Jessica Bertoli (jessica.bertoli@eawag.ch) and Colette vom Berg (colette.vomberg@eawag.ch)
This work will be performed at Eawag at the Department of Environmental Toxicology in Dübendorf.
Supervisors: Jessica Bertoli (jessica.bertoli@eawag.ch) and Colette vom Berg (colette.vomberg@eawag.ch)
This work will be performed at Eawag at the Department of Environmental Toxicology in Dübendorf.
