PhD Student Bioprocess Technology - Downstream

Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW; Muttenz; On-site; CHF 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wide range of university sports

Cultural programme of lectures, etc.

Equal pay implementation

Targeted promotion of doctoral projets

42 hours/week with option of part-time

Job summary

Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW in Muttenz invites a PhD student to rethink downstream processing for antibodies and biologics. You will design, build, and automate downstream unit operations, leveraging state-of-the-art pump, filtration, and sensor tech, and translate ideas into working bioprocess solutions.

You will develop and optimize TFF processes, design SP-TFF setups, automate data acquisition, study impact of flow on product quality, troubleshoot, and present results at conferences

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

MSc in related field

Lab equipment modification

Pumps and filtration experience

Sensors and data acquisition

Process automation

Programming (Python, MATLAB, C/C++)

Protein purification experience

Independent, solution-oriented work

Team player in international setting

Excellent English (German optional)

Education

MSc in biochemistry/bioprocess engineering/biotechnology/chemical or process engineering

Job description

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 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

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.

Your workplace

Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW
Hofackerstrasse 30
4132 Muttenz

Any questions?

About the position:

Prof. Dr. Thomas K. Villiger, , Contact: [e-mail]