Postdoc on the Effects of Ultrafine Pollution Particles and Micro-/Nanoplastics at the Human Placenta

Postdoc on the Effects of Ultrafine Pollution Particles and Micro-/Nanoplastics at the Human Placenta

Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology

St. Gallen, Switzerland

Your tasks

Ultrafine pollution particles (UFPs) and micro-/nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging global contaminants of significant concern, with growing evidence linking them to adverse effects on pregnancy. We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic team player to execute the projec within an interdisciplinary and international consortium:

• Identification and/or generation of environmentally relevant UFP and MNPs and their comprehensive characterization;
• Assessment of UFP/MNPs impact at the maternal-fetal interface using state-of-the art human models (e.g. placental insert co-cultures and explant cultures or microphysiological placenta-embryo chip);
• Identification of molecular developmental toxicity mechanisms of UFPs and MNPs;
• Development of original research ideas within the project's framework and communication of findings at consortium meetings, (inter)national conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.

Your profile

• PhD degree in biology, toxicology, life science or a related field;
• High motivation to work in an interdisciplinary project;
• Extensive experience with advanced cell/tissue culture work;
• Expertise in the field of (nano)toxicology;
• Basic knowledge in transcriptomics/epigenomics and particle characterization is highly beneficial;
• Excellent skills at science communication (verbal and written).

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