PhD Student Bioprocess Technology - Downstream

Opportunita; Muttenz; Hybrid; CHF 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State-of-the-art facilities

University sports

Cultural programs

Flexible working options

Teleworking

Job summary

FHNW School of Life Sciences in Muttenz seeks a PhD Student in Bioprocess Technology – Downstream, collaborating with an industrial partner to rethink purification of antibodies and biologics. You will design, build and automate downstream operations using advanced pumps, filtration and sensors, and optimize TFF processes for novel modalities.

You will develop device communication, data acquisition and process control, and study flow technology effects on shear-sensitive products while

Qualifications

• MSc degree in biochemistry, bioprocess engineering, biotechnology, chemical or process engineering or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment and setups.
• 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).
• Practical experience with protein purification (chromatography, filtration etc.).
• Structured, independent and solution-oriented approach; teamwork in an international, interdisciplinary environment.
• Excellent written and spoken English; German is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and automate downstream unit operations using advanced pump, filtration and sensor technologies.
• Develop and optimize TFF processes for antibodies and novel modalities.
• Design, build and automate TFF setups, including SP-TFF and continuous/downstream configurations.
• Develop device communication, data acquisition and process control systems.
• Study impact of pump and flow technology on shear-sensitive products; assess yield, aggregation and fouling.
• Present results in publications, conferences and to industrial partners.

Skills

Pumps & filtration

Sensors & data acquisition

Process automation

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

English proficiency

Education

MSc in biochemistry

MSc in bioprocess engineering

MSc in biotechnology

MSc in chemical or process engineering

Tools

TFF setups

Single-pass TFF (SPTFF)

Job description

PhD Student Bioprocess Technology - Downstream

Department School of Life Sciences offers state-of-the-art technical

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland seeks a PhD Student in Bioprocess Technology - Downstream, based in Muttenz. This role involves collaborating with an industrial partner to rethink antibody and biologics purification. Key responsibilities include designing, building, and automating downstream unit operations using advanced pump, filtration, and sensor technologies. Candidates will optimize TFF processes for antibodies and novel modalities, develop device communication systems, and study the impact of flow technology on shear-sensitive products. The position requires an MSc in biochemistry or engineering, hands-on experience with lab equipment, strong programming skills, and proficiency in English. The contract begins with a one-year term, extendable upon meeting milestones, ending December 31, 2027. Benefits include state-of-the-art facilities, university sports, cultural programs, and flexible working options. Applications are due by December 31, 2026.

Project Description

Teaching, research and practice - we connect

As a PhD student in the Bioprocess Technology lab (Muttenz, Basel), working closely with an industrial partner, you will rethink how antibodies and other biologics are purified. You will design, build and automate downstream unit operations that combine state-of-the-art pump, filtration and sensor technology, and develop new 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.

• Develop and optimize TFF processes (UF/DF, concentration, buffer exchange and clarification) for antibodies and novel modalities such as viral vectors and antibody drug conjugates
• Design, build and automate TFF setups, including single-pass TFF (SPTFF) and continuous or integrated downstream configurations.
• Develop device communication, data acquisition and process control
• Study how pump and flow technology affects shear-sensitive products, including yield, aggregation, particle integrity, potency and membrane fouling
• Troubleshoot hardware and software issues and propose creative technical solutions
• Present your results in scientific publications, at international conferences and to industrial partners

The position starts with an initial one-year contract. If the agreed milestones are met in the first year, the contract will be extended for the rest of the PhD.

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
• 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)
• Practical experience with protein purification (chromatography, filtration etc.)
• 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

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.

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 .