Master Thesis in Toxicology (f/m/x)

Topic: High-content imaging in larval zebrafish

The job

The Mechanistic Toxicology Group is looking for a motivated master’s student who will apply a novel high-content workflow for fluorescence imaging using transgenic zebrafish larvae. This position offers hands-on automated confocal imaging training and the opportunity to develop an independent project within the context of chemical exposure and neurodegenerative processes.

The position to prepare the Master's thesis is limited to 6 months and will be supervised at the site in Leipzig.

Contract limitations

limited contract Contact

Your contact for any questions you may have about the job:

Renee Owen (renee.owen@ufz.de)

Your application

To ensure a fair selection process, please submit your application (cover letter, CV, and relevant supporting documents) via our online portal without a photo, age information, or details about your marital status.

Diversity and Inclusion

The UFZ values diversity and is actively committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of their origin, religion, beliefs, disability, age or sexual identity.

We welcome people who represent diverse backgrounds, identities and perspectives. We therefore particularly encourage people who are affected by structural discrimination to apply to us.

The UFZ

The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) is a world-leading institution in environmental research and a member of the Helmholtz Association, Germany’s largest scientific organisation. With approximately 1,200 employees across Leipzig, Halle, and Magdeburg, we have been conducting research since 1991 using a transdisciplinary approach to address the most pressing challenges of our time: biodiversity loss, climate change, and environmental pollution. Our goal is to translate excellent research into practical solutions for policymakers, business, and society, and to serve as a reliable partner in supporting transformation processes toward a sustainable and just future for current and future generations. We foster a culture of collaboration, openness, and diversity within a work environment that actively promotes creativity and personal development.

The job

The Mechanistic Toxicology Group is looking for a motivated master’s student who will apply a novel high-content workflow for fluorescence imaging using transgenic zebrafish larvae. This position offers hands-on automated confocal imaging training and the opportunity to develop an independent project within the context of chemical exposure and neurodegenerative processes.

The position to prepare the Master's thesis is limited to 6 months and will be supervised at the site in Leipzig.

Your tasks

• Learning embedding techniques for high-content fluorescence imaging
• Applying a Python-based workflow for bio-image analysis
• Contributing to existing projects
• Surveying literature
• Collaborating with an international and interdisciplinary team

We offer

• Excellent supervision that supports your personal and professional development
• Exciting insights into the work of a leading research institute
• The chance to work in interdisciplinary, international teams and benefit from a wide range of perspectives
• The opportunity to contribute and actively shape your own ideas and impulses

right from the start

• Modern technical equipment and IT service to optimally support your work
• A supportive research environment
• Hands-on training in confocal microscopy
• State-of-the-art imaging and analysis techniques
• Opportunity to publish, depending on project results
• Flexible start date (as early as December)

Your profile

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Solid knowledge of biology, molecular biology, ecotoxicology, biotechnology, or a related field
• Curiosity and motivation to learn new techniques
• Laboratory experience and the ability to independently conduct experiments
• Programming skills are desirable (Python, R, …)

Application deadline: 07.10.2026

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