PhD Student Bioprocess Technology - Upstream

As a PhD student in the Bioprocess Technology lab (Muttenz, Basel), working closely with an industrial Partner, you will rethink how antibodies and viral vectors are produced. You will design, build and automate cell culture setups that combine state-of-the-art pump, filtration and sensor technology, and develop new upstream processes that make full use of the latest process innovations.

Design, build and automate bioreactor setups, integrating pumps, flow sensors and peripheral equipment

Develop and operate cell retention and filtration systems for perfusion and TFF processes

Develop device communication, data acquisition and process control

Run mammalian cell cultivations and analyze the data to validate new technologies and control strategies

Troubleshoot hardware and software issues and propose creative technical solution

Present your results in scientific publications, at international conferences and to industrial partners

School of Life Sciences FHNW, Institute for Pharma Technology and Biotechnology

Teaching, research and practice - we connect

The FHNW School of Life Sciences offers state-of-the-art technical, laboratory and office facilities. Contributing to the school’s highly motivating working environment – which is second to none – are its collaboration with a large number of companies and institutions in Switzerland and abroad, a widely varied programme of scientific events, and daily contact with young students in research and teaching. The FHNW is also committed to equal opportunities and the compatibility of private and professional life.

• MSc degree in biochemistry, bioprocess engineering, biotechnology, chemical or process engineering or a related field

• Excellent scientific and technical track record, with demonstrated experience building or modifying lab equipment and setups

• Experience in mammalian cell culture technology, antibody or viral vector expression and purification

• Hands-on experience with pumps and filtration systems in a bioprocess or process engineering context

• Experience with sensors, data acquisition and/or process automation

• Solid programming skills (Python, MATLAB, C/C++ or similar)

• A structured, independent and solution-oriented way of working, with a passion for applied research and technical innovation

• Team player who enjoys working in an international, interdisciplinary environment with industrial partners

• Excellent written and spoken English; German is an asset