Master's Thesis in Cell Biology and Extracellular Vesicles

At the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI , we combine the expertise of our employees to drive medical progress. Our focus includes cell and gene therapy, therapeutics and vaccines, molecular and immune diagnostics, and other innovative fields. We are the professional home of scientists, engineers, laboratory technicians, and administrative staff who are all dedicated to improving human health.

Thesis topic

Development of experimental strategies to enhance the release of functional extracellular vesicles from kidney cells.

Project Overview

This Master’s thesis focuses on extracellular vesicles (EVs), which play a central role in intercellular communication by transporting biologically active molecules such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. The aim of the project is to selectively increase the expression of membrane transporters (OAT1 and OAT3) in renal epithelial cells and to analyze their influence on the composition and release of EVs. Various physical, chemical, and biological stimulation strategies will be applied to investigate their effects on cell behavior, protein expression, and EV production, with a particular focus on EVs containing these transporters.

Tasks

• Literature research on renal membrane transporters and extracellular vesicles
• Establishment and cultivation of RPTEC/TERT1 cells in 2D and 3D cell culture models
• Investigation of strategies to increase OAT1/3 expression in cells (e.g., electrical stimulation, stimulation with metabolites or cytokines)
• Analysis of cell status through microscopic methods and determination of cell viability
• Analysis of OAT1/3 expression and localization using immunofluorescence microscopy and Western blot
• Investigation of strategies influencing EV release (e.g., electrical stimulation, hypoxic conditions, chemical stimuli)
• Isolation of EVs from cell culture supernatants
• Characterization of EVs with regard to size, concentration, and composition (e.g., nanoparticle tracking analysis, Western blot, flow cytometry)
• Functional assays to analyze transporter‑dependent transport processes
• Evaluation and interpretation of results

What You Contribute

• A completed Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc.) in life sciences (e.g., biology, biotechnology, molecular biology, bioengineering, or a related field) and current enrollment in a Master’s program
• Practical experience with basic laboratory techniques (e.g., pipetting, sterile work for cell culture); experience in a biological or chemical laboratory environment is desirable
• Knowledge of data analysis and processing using common software tools
• You enjoy learning new practical skills, approach unfamiliar topics with curiosity and structure, and quickly grasp them through analytical thinking

What We Offer

• A unique combination of creative research freedom and real-world impact, including societal relevance
• You will be part of an international and interdisciplinary team, have access to state‑of‑the‑art technology for biological and biochemical analyses, and benefit from a high degree of autonomy
• You will gain valuable practical experience and prepare optimally for future positions by learning numerous relevant scientific methods and further developing your ability to independently plan and conduct experiments
• During your time at Fraunhofer IZI, you will receive expert supervision at eye level

The duration of the project is flexible and depends on your university’s requirements and your preferred schedule. Please note: we are unable to offer remuneration for thesis projects; however, you can expect an exciting research topic and intensive academic supervision.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees’ skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best promote their abilities.