Internship opportunity – Development of Next-Generation In Vitro Models for More Predictive Preclinical Evaluation
Internship opportunity – Development of Next-Generation In Vitro Models for More Predictive Preclinical EvaluationLooking for an Internship for the 2026 Academic Year?
Good news! Our Immunobiology Laboratory in Aye is looking for its next interns!
Here is one of the internship topics we can offer : “Development of Next-Generation In Vitro Models for More Predictive Preclinical Evaluation”
Why this internship?
Next-generation in vitro models play a key role in transforming preclinical strategies by providing systems that more closely mimic human physiology and better predict clinical responses. This internship offers the opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative 3D in vitro models designed for the evaluation of biotherapeutics and vaccines within a platform committed to New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and technological innovation in biotechnology.
Scientific Background
Modern biotherapies require preclinical models capable of reproducing the complexity of human tissues and key cellular interactions, particularly those involving the immune system. Our platform develops 3D in vitro models of organs such as the intestine, liver, and lung to enable more relevant assessments of the efficacy, safety, and biological effects of therapeutic candidates while reducing dependence on traditional models.
Internship Objectives
As part of the development of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), the internship will focus on the design and characterization of 3D in vitro models representative of key human tissues.
Topic 1: Development and Characterization of a 3D Intestinal In Vitro Model
Development and characterization of a 3D intestinal model designed to reproduce the architecture and functions of the intestinal epithelium for the evaluation of biotherapeutics, vaccine candidates, or compounds of preclinical interest.
Topic 2: Development and Characterization of a 3D Hepatic In Vitro Model
Development and characterization of a 3D liver model to investigate hepatic functionality, metabolism, and the biological effects of biotherapeutics in a system that more closely reflects human physiology.
Topic 3: Development and Characterization of a 3D Pulmonary In Vitro Model
Development and characterization of a 3D lung model aimed at reproducing cellular interactions and biological responses in the pulmonary environment, particularly for the evaluation of therapeutic or vaccine candidates.
Methods and Technologies
- 2D and 3D cell culture
- Establishment of 3D models (Transwell systems, hydrogels, extracellular matrices)
- Multicellular co-culture systems (epithelial cells, immune cells, etc.)
- Viability, differentiation, and tissue integrity analyses
- Functional and phenotypic characterization
- Cellular imaging and morphological analyses
- Analysis and interpretation of multiparametric biological data
Candidate Profile
This internship is intended for students enrolled in biotechnology, bioengineering, biomedical engineering programs, or equivalent Master's-level studies who are interested in tissue engineering, advanced in vitro models, and innovation in preclinical R&D.
The ideal candidate combines scientific curiosity, experimental rigor, and a strong motivation to work on cutting-edge technologies.
Duration and Location
Duration: 3 to 6 months
Location: CER Groupe – Rue de la Science 8, 6900 Aye (Marche-en-Famenne), Belgium
⚠️ Please note: The site is not easily accessible by public transportation.
Application
Interested in this internship opportunity?
Please send your CV and cover letter to Héloïse WILMET, HR Business Partner.
📧 Email: recrutement@cergroupe.be