The IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine investigates the molecular mechanisms by which environmental factors-including particles, radiation, and chemical exposures-affect human health. The institute’s research focuses on environmentally induced aging and disease processes in the pulmonary system and skin, as well as environmentally driven dysfunctions of the nervous and immune systems. By developing innovative, human-relevant experimental model systems, the IUF contributes to improved environmental risk assessment and to the identification of novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of environmentally induced health damage.

Within this research environment, the Environmental Adaptation and Cellular Resilience Lab, led by Andrea Rossi, is offering a fully funded
PhD position (f/m/d)
as part of a newly approved DFG-funded research project. The PhD project is embedded in the DFG-funded research program.

“Building a Human Epiblast-Like Vulnerability Map of Germ-Layer Formation for Developmental Toxicology.”

Early human embryonic development-particularly gastrulation and germ layer formation-represents a highly sensitive window within the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) framework. Perturbations during this stage can result in persistent alterations of organ development and increased disease susceptibility later in life. Despite this importance, human-relevant, mechanistic maps linking intrinsic developmental vulnerabilities to environmental toxicants remain largely lacking.

In this project, human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) will be differentiated through epiblast-like states into ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm and combined with pooled, genome-wide CRISPR loss-of-function screens to identify genes and pathways essential for robust germ layer specification. The resulting, stage-resolved vulnerability maps will be systematically annotated with environmental chemical-gene and pathway interactions derived from curated toxicological databases. A focused benchmark exposure to well-characterized developmental toxicants will be used to validate the predictive power of the atlas.

Overall, the project bridges developmental biology, functional genomics, and environmental toxicology, contributing to next-generation, human-relevant strategies for developmental risk assessment. We seek a highly motivated candidate (f/m/d) with a solid background in cell biology. Expertise in standard molecular biology techniques, cell culture and ex-vivo models is critical. Previous work with genome editing is a plus. The candidate is required to have strong skills in English and German. Motivation to work independently and be responsible for the daily management of his/her/their research project in coordination with other members of the group is expected. The candidate will also be actively involved in the training and co-supervision of other group members and students.
be actively involved in the training and co-supervision of other group members and students.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES


The individual should apply their significant expertise in stem cell biology, cell culture and organoids, molecular biology-based techniques, along with their understanding such as plasmid cloning, gene editing, AAV vector production, electroporation, qPCR, RT-PCR, nucleic acid extraction and cloning, gel electrophoresis, macromolecule blotting and probing and mouse handling is highly desirable.
Participate in the development and qualification of assays. Independently analyze data and provide conclusions. Critically evaluate own and others results and offer insights based on process and product understanding to help solve problems.
Contribute to patents, regulatory documents or manuscript as required.
Read scientific and technical literature in order to bring new and improved procedures to the laboratory, and to broaden understanding of disciplines outside area of training. Utilizes all appropriate exper...