Project title: Stem cell-based organoid cultures for investigation of Toxoplasma gondii, Giardia duodenalis and Eimeria falciformis infections

Research group and address: FG16 Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria,
Robert Koch-Institut, Seestraße 10, 13353 Berlin-Wedding Supervisor: Dr. Christian Klotz Contact for further information: klotzc@rki.de

 

Project description:

Recently, the establishment of stem cell-based intestinal organoids has provided a new tool for investigation of host-parasite interactions. These models for small intestines are used in our group to study effects of Toxoplasma gondii, Giardia duodenalis and Eimeria falciformis infections on the host’s intestinal mucosa. The projects are part of the DFG Research Training Group 2046.

We are looking for someone who wants to become deeply involved in the in vitro-culture of intestinal organoids from humans, mice and wild rodents. In collaboration with three international PhD students, we would like the student assistant to help in the establishment, maintenance and provision of these cultures. The applicant should be curious, dedicated and highly interested in the biological questions and systems we study and the cutting-edge technologies we use.

Practical skills involved in the project:

• Mammalian cell culture via the maintenance of growth factor-producing cell lines

• Analysis of bioassays for determination of growth factor activity via the production and quality control of growth factor-enriched supernatants

• Routine stem cell culture and maintenance of intestinal organoids from lab mice, wild rodents and humans including organizing biobanks (= freezing/thawing & documentation)

• Parasite infection of organoids and routine microscopic analysis of infected organoids

• Various general molecular biological skills (e.g. RT-PCR, Western blotting), dependent on current research questions in the various projects

 

Desired skills:

• B.Sc. degree in a life science discipline

• Practical experience in cell culture and basic molecular biology techniques

• Experience with standard MS office programs

• Solid English skills

 

Contract: 41 h/month for 2 years