PhD Student Bioprocess Technology - Upstream
Posted Updated
Description
PhD Student Bioprocess Technology - Upstream
School of Life Sciences FHNW, Institute for Pharma Technology and Biotechnology
Teaching, research and practice - we connect
Your tasks
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. We are looking for a candidate with an excellent technical track record who enjoys hands-on engineering and is driven to turn technical ideas into working bioprocess solutions.
- 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
Your profile
- 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
Your prospects:
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.
Your benefits:
Wide range of university sports
Cultural programme of lectures, concerts, theatre and films
Established implementation of equal pay
Targeted promotion of doctoral projects
Annual working time (42 hours/week) with the option of part-time and teleworking
Mentoring programme for career development
Start Date: by agreement, ending on 2027 12 31 .
Apply online
Your workplace
Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW
Hofackerstrasse 30
4132
Muttenz
Any questions?
About the position:
Prof. Dr. Thomas K. Villiger, , Contact: thomas.villiger@fhnw.ch
About the recruiting process:Cristina Kabas, HR Manager, Contact: cristina.kabas@fhnw.ch
Will you soon belong to our team? We look forward to your application by 30 November 2026.