This position is part of our ongoing research efforts aimed at developing alternatives to animal testing with fish, using permanent fish cell lines. One of our developments, the RTgill-W1 cell line assay to predict acute fish toxicity, has recently been approved by OECD as the first in vitro assay in environmental chemical risk assessment. While this assay is indeed an animal replacement option, routine culture of these and other fish cells still require serum as supplement. We have recently been able to design a fully defined, serum-free version of a fish cell culture medium. However, several animal-derived components remain. With this project, we would like to replace them to be able to culture the cells animal-component free. You will be integrated in the group of Prof. Dr Kristin Schirmer and work under the supervision of Dr Barbara Jozef.

Your responsibilities would be entail maintaining our fish cell lines (media preparations, sterile culturing, cryopreservation, and quality assurance), developing and performing state-of-the-art cell-based assays (cell viability assays and imaging) and evaluating the data (presentation, statistics).

We are looking for a candidate who shares our passion for developing alternatives to animal testing. You should have a university degree (B.Sc./M.Sc.) in life sciences (biology, biochemistry, biotechnology or similar) with practical skills, approach problems with curiosity and open-minded and be able to work both independently as well as in a team. Good English skills are likewise essential.

Eawag is a modern employer and offers an excellent working environment where staff can contribute their strengths, experience and ways of thinking. We promote gender equality and are committed to staff diversity and inclusion. The compatibility of career and family is of central importance to us. For more information about Eawag and our work conditions, please consult www.eawag.ch and www.eawag.ch/en/aboutus/working/employment.

Deadline for applications is 15 July 2022. Your application should include a cover letter explaining your background and motivation to apply for this position, a CV, copies of your academic qualifications and contact information for two references. For further information, please contact Dr Barbara Jozef.

We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it through this webpage, as any other way of applying will not be considered. A click on the button below will take you directly to the application form.

Applications from employment agencies/personnel consultants are not welcome and will therefore not be considered.