In the Department of Zahnärztliche Werkstoffkunde und Biomaterialforschung (ZWBF), we are looking for a
Student (f/m/d) for Internship / Bachelor / Master thesis ''Comparison of cellular behaviour of HepG2 and HepaRG cells 3D cultivated in an in vitro hydrogel''
Project description
In vitro models are becoming increasingly important for gaining a mechanistic understanding of tumor biology and for testing new drugs for tumor therapy. However, established 2D in vitro models cannot adequately represent all pathophysiological properties. This limitation requires their further development into more complex 3D in vitro models consisting of several cell types that better simulate the in vivo situation.
The aim of this project is to develop a 3D in vitro model capable of representing the entire hematogenous metastatic process of a breast cancer tumor in the liver. In the current project phase, the synthesis of a liver-like tissue will be optimized. The liver model consists of relevant liver cells, which are embedded in a hydrogel mixture adapted to the native extracellular matrix (ECM). Important evaluation parameters for the suitability of the hydrogel as an ECM substitute are cell viability and morphology, as well as hydrogel stiffness and porosity. Furthermore, the biological cell functionality should correspond to that in vivo.
Tasks
- Cell culture
- Hydrogel synthesis
- Hydrogel/Cell analysis: Rheological tests, stainings, microscopy, image analysis, functional assays (e.g. ELISA), western blot, immunohistochemistry
- The analytic methods applied will be adapted depending on the timeframe of your work, your background and your interests
- The thesis can be written in German or English
Your contribution to the project:
You will compare the behaviour of HepG2 cells, a liver cancer cell line, with that of HepaRG cells, an immortalized hepatic cell line, in a given hydrogel system as ECM substitute. In case of a master thesis, coculture experiments with stellate cells will be performed. The work includes cell culture, hydrogel synthesis and analytic methods. With your help, we might find answers to the following questions:
- Can HepaRG cells be cultivated in a hydrogel that is functional for HepG2 cells?
- Does the chosen hydrogel system enable hepatic cell functionality?
- How do stellate cells influence the hydrogel properties and behaviour of HepG2/HepaRG cells?
Requirements
- You are highly motivated
- You have a responsible and accurate way of working
- First experience in a biological lab is of advantage
- Background: Biology, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, material sciences or related fields
Conditions
- A valid certificate of study
- For foreign students: valid residence certificate, work permit, registration certificate
We offer
- A friendly atmosphere with open communication and individual support
Application:
Please submit your application through our application portal, quoting “GB-P-50571”. The application deadline is April 7th 2025.
Contact:
For more detailed information please contact Mrs Friederike Götz, M.Sc.:
E-Mail: frgoetzukaachende
Telefon: +49 (0) 241 80 89812
We look forward to receiving your application!
This position is not gender specific.
The RWTH Aachen University Hospital promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Applications from women are expressly encouraged and if the applicant is suitable qualified, they will be given priority in accordance with the LGG. If suitably qualified, people with a registered disability will also receive priority.
Weekly hours are negotiable.
You should preferably use our digital application portal at www.karriere.ukaachen.de for your application. There you have the option of securing your documents in the electronic application folder to prevent unauthorized access. Applications that reach us by email to: bewerbung@ukaachen.de (this transmission path cannot be as effectively secured) will be transferred to the aforementioned portal and any accompanying documents will be disposed of in accordance with data protection regulations immediately after transfer. After the retention period has expired, the data in the portal will also be deleted. If you do not agree to a transfer to the Application portal your application cannot be considered.