Bachelor/Master Thesis: Environmental Chemicals and Metabolic Health
Explore the link between environmental chemicals and childhood obesity risk through cohort analysis and metabolic health research.
Best for:Best for students with a background in biomedical sciences, toxicology, or epidemiology seeking hands-on research experience in metabolic health and environmental chemical exposure.
Overview
This thesis opportunity at the Helmholtz Association invites students to investigate how environmental chemicals may contribute to childhood overweight during pregnancy. Building on a pilot study identifying obesogenic chemical candidates, the project will analyse childhood cohorts to uncover mechanisms linking chemical exposure to metabolic health outcomes. The work involves laboratory and cohort data analysis, contributing to translational research on environmental health. Ideal candidates should have a strong interest in biomedical research and analytical methods, with a focus on metabolic disease biology and environmental toxicology.
What you'll do
- Conduct literature review on environmental chemicals linked to metabolic disorders in children
- Analyse cohort data to identify correlations between chemical exposure and childhood overweight risk
- Perform laboratory experiments to validate findings from cohort analysis
- Develop analytical methods for assessing chemical obesogenic potential
- Prepare thesis report summarising research findings and implications for public health
- Present research results at internal lab seminars and conferences
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary research team members on data interpretation
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences, Toxicology, Epidemiology, Public Health, or related field
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for academic research and thesis writing
Instruction: English
- Experience with cohort data analysis (e.g., statistical software like R or SPSS)
- Basic laboratory skills for chemical analysis or biological assays
- Familiarity with epidemiological research methods
- Strong written and oral communication skills in English
- Ability to work independently and manage research projects
- Open to international applicants
- No age restrictions
- No prior research experience required, but relevant coursework preferred
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-30
Applicants should submit a detailed CV, a letter of motivation outlining their interest in the project, and academic transcripts via the Nature Careers application portal. Additional documents may be requested upon review. Ensure all materials are in English and clearly demonstrate your qualifications for the thesis work.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letter of motivation
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor's degree)
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
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