Master thesis-project in Psychopharmacology (Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology)

Project title:
Investigation of serotonin receptor binding and activation potency of classic and novel psychedelics

Key methodologies:

• Cell culture techniques
• Assessment of receptor binding affinity of classic and novel psychedelics
• Investigation of receptor acitvation potencies of classic and novel psychedelics

Project Description:
The aim is to assess the binding affinity and activation potency of different classic and novel psychedelics at the serotonin receptors 5-HT_2A, 5-HT_2B, 5-HT_2C, and 5-HT_1A.

Requirements:

• High motivation and interest in precise and accurate work

About Us:

The Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology group focuses on the study of psychoactive substances, such as psychedelics and stimulants. The group is located in the Zentrum für Lehre und Forschung (ZLF) of the University Hospital Basel.

Oliver Stöckmann

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yes

Project Title:

Bioanalysis and Metabolism of Psychoactive Substances

Key Methodologies:

• Development and validation of a bioanalytical method (LC–MS/MS)
• Preparation of clinical study samples
• Metabolism studies using human liver microsomes

Project Description:

In this master thesis project, the student will learn how to develop and validate bioanalytical methods to analyze study samples using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The student will assist in the bioanalysis of a clinical phase I study. Furthermore, the student will examine the metabolism of psychoactive substances using in vitro assays with human liver microsomes and recombinant enzymes.

Requirements:

• High motivation and interest in precise and accurate work

About Us:

The Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology group focuses on the study of psychoactive substances, such as psychedelics and stimulants. The group is located in the Zentrum für Lehre und Forschung (ZLF) of the University Hospital Basel.

Jan Valenta

yes

yes

Dino Lüthi

Master thesis-project in forensic toxicology & pharmacology at the Institute of forensic medicine in Basel

Project title:
Bioanalysis and metabolism of drugs of abuse in human blood, urine, and hair.

Key methodologies:

• Development and validation of a bioanalytical method (LC-MS/MS or HPLC-HRMS)
• Sample preparation techniques (e.g. protein precipitation, online solid phase extraction)
• Metabolism studies using human liver microsomes
• Data review and statistical analyses

Project Description:
The aim of the master thesis project is to develop and validate a method for quantification and/or screening of drugs of abuse in different human biological specimens such as whole blood and urine. The student will focus on substances like cannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids, narcotics, or drugs affecting the ability to drive. In addition, the in vitro metabolism of the drugs will be investigated in human liver microsomes. Thereby, different sample preparation techniques will be investigated and compared. The student will learn to work with a state of the art high‑performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometer (HRMS) or a HPLC tandem mass spectrometer (MS/MS).

About us:
The department of forensic chemistry and toxicology is specialized in the analysis of drugs of abuse in various biological specimens (e.g., hair, blood, urine). The department is ISO accredited, meaning that the student will also gain an insight into a regulated environment.