We are looking for interested students for a research project who would like to actively work on an analytical question as part of an LFC thesis or a research module in our Pharmacology & Toxicology laboratory.

The topic of the project is the "Development and validation of a UHPLC-MS/MS method for the quantitative analysis of cannabinoids in hair samples".

The aim is to detect and quantify selected natural cannabinoids and cannabinoid metabolites using a UHPLC-MS/MS method. For this purpose, an analytical method is to be established and finally validated according to internationally recognised criteria in order to use it within a research project.

The overarching question of the project is to establish a quantitative analytical method for determining cannabis consumption in biological samples. For this purpose, a method is needed that can detect cannabis consumption with low detection limits and over a longer period of time. The method is to be used in a follow-up project in co-operation with a clinical working group.

Student tasks at the end of project:

• Literature research on HPLC-MS/MS analysis of cannabinoids in hair samples
• Development of a mass spectrometric method for the detection of cannabinoids and cannabinoid metabolites in the multiple reaction monitoring mode (MRM)
• Development of a chromatographic method for separating the selected cannabinoids and their metabolites (HPLC method)
• Development of an extraction method for cannabinoids and their metabolites from biological samples (including hair samples)
• Validation of the final analysis based on EMA guidelines (Guidelines of the European Medicine Agency)
• Final project presentation of the results

Prerequisites:

• Scientific interest and previous knowledge in the fields of chemistry, human biology, pharmacology & toxicology
• Ability to work independently in the laboratory
• Degree programme in Human Medicine or Molecular Biomedicine in the course of an LFC thesis or a research module of approx. 12 weeks
• Knowledge of HPLC-MS/MS analysis, method validation and sample preparation is welcome, but not essential

What we offer:

• Involvement in an interdisciplinary research project
• Work in a friendly, young team in new laboratory premises
• Preparation of an appropriate final thesis
• One-to-one supervision during the end of project by a research assistant from the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology
• Familiarisation with HPLC-MS/MS analysis
• Working on an interesting analytical problem

If you are interested in participating in this project, please send your informative CV (stating which methods you have already worked with and in which working groups) and your possible start date by email to [email protected]

For a research project, we are looking for interested students who would like to actively participate in a cross-group project in our Pharmacology & Toxicology laboratory as part of a research module or an LFC thesis.

The topic of the project is the cytotoxicological analysis of newly synthesised cytostatic substances.

The aim is to test the cytotoxicity of the new substance in comparison with already known substances such as cisplatin or 5-fluorouracil. The analysis is based on various cell viability assays using a colon cancer cell line.

Student tasks within the project:

• Literature research on the topic
• Screening of the new substances using cytotoxicity assays established in the laboratory. If necessary, methodological adjustments can also be made
• Evaluation of the results in relation to the current literature
• Final project presentation of the results

Prerequisites:

• Scientific interest and previous knowledge in the field of human biology, pharmacology & toxicology
• Ability to work independently in the laboratory
• Molecular Biomedicine or Human Medicine degree programme in the course of a research module or LFC work of approx. 12 weeks
• Knowledge of cell culture and molecular biology methods is desirable but not essential. As this involves working with hazardous substances, general previous laboratory experience is essential

What we offer:

• Involvement in an interdisciplinary research project
• Working in a friendly, young team in new laboratory facilities
• Preparation of an appropriate final thesis
• One-to-one supervision during the end of project by a research assistant from the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology
• Familiarisation with cell culture and cytotoxicological methods

If you are interested in participating in this project, please send your informative CV (stating which methods you have already worked with and in which working groups) and your possible start date by email to [email protected]