Biotechnology Intern

Nestlé; Konolfingen; On-site; CHF 20,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Nestlé Research & Development in Konolfingen seeks a Biotechnology Intern to contribute to fermentation and downstream processing for probiotic bacteria. You will gain hands-on experience with lab-scale bioreactors and pilot-scale equipment, focusing on data interpretation and scientific reporting.

The role combines wet-lab experimentation with data processing, with approximately 70–80% lab time, and involves collaboration with experienced scientists in a practical, learning-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a biotechnology-related program.
• Good microbiology knowledge and interest in fermentation and bioprocess development.
• Hands-on lab experience with fermentation, bioprocessing or microbiology.
• Experience with data analysis tools (Excel; programming skills are a plus).

Responsibilities

• Support planning and execution of fermentations using laboratory-scale bioreactors.
• Assist in drying trials and evaluation of process parameters for shelf life.
• Analyze probiotic samples with microbiological methods and contribute to tech exploration.
• Process, compile and interpret experimental data; document results.
• Communicate findings through reports and presentations with scientific colleagues.

Skills

Biotechnology

Fermentation

Microbiology

Data analysis

Excel

English fluency

Education

Bachelor's or Master's student in Biotechnology

Tools

Python

R

MATLAB

Job description

Be a force for good and transform your potential into something extraordinary.

As a Biotechnology Intern at Nestlé Research & Development in Konolfingen, your mission will be to contribute to the development and optimisation of fermentation and downstream processes for probiotic bacteria.

You will join the Science & Technology department and support science-based projects focused on producing probiotics for nutritional products, including their transformation from liquid cultures into shelf-stable powders. Working with laboratory-scale bioreactors and pilot-scale equipment, you will gain hands‑on experience across the bioprocessing journey, from fermentation and drying trials to microbiological analysis and data interpretation.

This is a highly practical internship combining wet-lab experimentation with data processing. Approximately 70–80% of your work will take place in the laboratory.

How you’ll make an impact as a Biotechnology Intern

• Support the planning and execution of fermentations with probiotic bacteria using laboratory-scale bioreactors, while contributing to the optimisation of fermentation parameters and manufacturing processes
• Help plan and conduct laboratory drying trials, assessing different strategies and process parameters to limit bacterial losses during production and throughout product shelf life
• Analyse probiotic samples using microbiological methods and contribute to the exploration of new technologies related to probiotic bioprocessing
• Process, compile and interpret experimental data
• Document and communicate experimental results through reports and presentations, discuss the next steps with scientific colleagues, and support key Science & Technology projects

What will make you successful

• Bachelor’s or Master’s student, or recent graduate, in Biotechnology, Industrial Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biology, Molecular Biology, Food Science or a related scientific field
• Good understanding of microbiology and microbial growth, combined with a strong interest in industrial biotechnology, fermentation and bioprocess development
• First practical experience with fermentation, bioreactors, microbiological methods or laboratory experimentation through academic projects, practical courses or a previous internship
• Confidence working with experimental data using Excel; experience with Python, R, MATLAB or another programming language for data analysis and visualization is a strong advantage
• Fluency in English is required, while knowledge of German is an advantage.
• A hands‑on, curious and structured approach, with the autonomy, collaboration, communication and resilience needed to investigate problems and learn from unexpected experimental results

At Nestlé Research & Development, science and technology come together to turn ideas into solutions with real‑world impact.

Our benefits are designed to support your growth and wellbeing, so you can thrive at work and in life:

• Hands‑on experience across fermentation, downstream processing and probiotic manufacturing
• Exposure to laboratory-scale bioreactors and potentially pilot‑scale processing
• Opportunities to strengthen both your experimental and data‑analysis capabilities
• Close collaboration with experienced scientists working on industrial biotechnology projects
• Learning and development opportunities, healthcare contribution, access to the Employee Assistance Programme and attractive employee discounts

What to expect from our hiring process

We are committed to an inclusive and respectful hiring experience and are happy to provide reasonable accommodations if needed. Our workplaces are fully accessible and supported by a strong safety culture, with modern installations and procedures to ensure a safe environment for everyone.

The hiring process typically includes a video interview with Talent Acquisition, followed by interviews with members of the hiring team and a final discussion and offer. We review applications as they are received and may close the role once a strong list of relevant candidates has been identified. All information is treated confidentially.