Master Student Internship in Employing high-resolution correlative electron microscopy and secondary ion mass spectrometry imaging to study toxicology in biological samples (M/F)

Reference : MRT-2019-Intern-004

Type: Intern
Contract type: Internship
Duration: 4-6 months
Place: Belvaux

Context

As a key player in research and innovation in Luxembourg, the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), with its employees, is active in the domains of materials, the environment and IT. As an RTO (Research and Technology Organisation) and with its interdisciplinary impact-driven approach, LIST contributes to the development of Luxembourg’s economy and society. The Materials Research and Technology Department (MRT) translates cutting-edge materials research into applicable technology, with about 150 collaborators. For this, the department cultivates close relationships and joint projects with both academic and industrial partners, and contributes to Luxembourg's and Europe's innovation agenda in Materials Research and Technology.
The Advanced Instrumentation for Ion Nano-Analytics (AINA) group of the MRT department at the LIST is renowned for developing innovative nano-analytical techniques for materials characterization and life science applications. During the past few years we have been developing in particular a Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) add-on system for the Helium Ion Microscope (HIM) and for a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) as well as an Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) system that we integrated in our NanoSIMS, allowing the advantages of high spatial resolution with high sensitivity chemical information to be combined. The research activities of the AINA group cover fundamentals, instrument development and applications.

Description

We are looking for an intern to participate in a project exploring the effects of oral exposure and gut-targeted toxicity of emerging environmental pollutant perfluorinated carboxylic acid (PFCA) under chronic stress. PFCA has been widely used for many industrial purposes and consumer-related applications (e.g. repellent coatings, surfactants and photographic devices) and therefore it is omnipresent in our environment.

Within this project, we are offering the opportunity for a Master student to complete an internship within our facilities, focussing on in vitro biology-based approaches with state-of-the-art imaging techniques such as Electron Microscopy and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS). The main tasks of the student will be to work with in vitro biological samples, develop sample preparation methodologies for electron microscopy imaging, learn and subsequently perform correlative EM-SIMS imaging, and treat data. Additionally, if the candidate shows adequate skills and interest in these fields, it will be possible to continue research as a PhD candidate within the same project.

Key Accountabilities

Perform a scientific review of available literature in the field of research;
Learn and perform sample preparation for electron microscopy;
Receive a training on relevant state-of-the-art instruments and perform imaging analyses;
Discuss results with the project leader;
Interpret the results;
Participate in project and group meetings;
Write progress report.

Key Skills, Experience and Qualifications

Master student with a university education focussing on biology, biochemistry, chemistry, materials science or similar;
Interest in microscopy, mass spectrometry and toxicology;
Practical experience in instrumentation and/or wet laboratory;
Proficiency in spoken and written English;
Good interpersonal skills, organized, critical.