Thesis (m/f/x) Identification of developmental neurotoxic substances by automate

start: 01.10.2020, full-time.
The development of the nervous system is a complex process of differentiation, which can be disturbed by chemicals and thus lead to serious limitations in functionality and performance of exposed organisms. For this reason, the detection of developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) is also planned within the framework of various regulations for the registration and approval of chemicals and pharmaceuticals. In the past, the

in vivo
DNT test guideline was only applied to a limited extent. It is a current and great challenge to collect mechanistic information for several thousand chemicals and to interpret this information with DNT. For the identification of developmental neurotoxic substances the zebrafish embryo represents a possible alternative test system and is discussed for use in an integrated approach for testing and assessment (IATA) framework as a further element in an

in vitro
DNT testing battery.
The aim of this master thesis is to compare three different methods (spontaneous contractions, photomotor response, locomotor response), which are particularly suitable for use in screening approaches, and to test whether a combination of these endpoints provides a greater significance. The concentration-response curves of suitable positive and negative substances will be compared, and the possible influence of morphological changes and compound uptake (toxicokinetics) on the observed effects will be investigated.

Your tasks:

• Zebrafish embryo test (ZFET) and movement pattern analysis at different stages of zebrafish development
• Microscopic evaluation of phenotypic changes using the VAST-BioImager platform
• Dose-response analyses
• Analysis of samples with different chemical analysis methods

Your profile:

• Bachelor's degree in a natural science subject such as biology, chemistry, pharmacy or life sciences or environmental sciences
• Basic knowledge in toxicology
• Interest in developmental biology
• Motivation, curiosity, team spirit

We offer:

• Interdisciplinary research (bioanalytics, toxicology, environmental toxicology
• Broad spectrum of methods and dedicated support
• Excellent technical equipment and infrastructure

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