PhD Student - Industrial Downstream Processing of Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Gruppe; Penzberg; Vor Ort; EUR 200.000 +; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading pharmaceutical company is looking for a motivated PhD Student for viral vector purification at their Penzberg site. This role focuses on developing innovative purification processes for gene therapies. Ideal candidates will hold a Master's in a relevant field and have a strong background in downstream processing. The position offers a compensation of €3,750 monthly and flexible working hours, providing great opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative environment.

Leistungen

Flexible working hours

€3,750 monthly compensation

Discounted meals in cafeteria

Access to fitness center

Networking opportunities with other students

Qualifikationen

• You hold a Master's Degree excellent qualifications in Chemistry or a related field.
• Ideally, you have some experience in virus vector technologies.
• You are highly motivated and willing to work on challenging projects.
• You are a strong team player with excellent planning and organizational skills.
• You enjoy working in an international environment.

Aufgaben

• Develop and implement purification technologies for viral vectors.
• Identify and understand novel technologies for viral vector purification.
• Develop strategies to improve overall process productivity.
• Execute projects with partners and support laboratory work.
• Publish findings and present at scientific conferences.

Kenntnisse

Experience in downstream processing and analytics

Team player

Excellent planning and organizational skills

Autonomous working

Motivation for challenging projects

Ausbildung

Master's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or Biochemistry

Jobbeschreibung

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

PhD Student for viral vector purification, Penzberg Site (PTCG DSP Development)

About the Department We are dedicated to bringing game‑changing viral vector‑based Gene therapies from early clinical supply to market, addressing the unmet clinical need of patients to cure diseases. Our core mission is to develop safe, innovative, and effective therapies using cutting‑edge technology across the entire value chain. Within the Cell and Gene Therapies area of the Pharma division, our daily work is characterized by the drive to develop world‑class rAAV manufacturing processes.

The Project This PhD project, situated within Roche’s Pharmaceutical Cell & Gene Therapy unit, aims to address the challenges in developing safe and effective purification processes for gene therapies (GT) using adeno‑associated viruses (AAVs) as vectors. The project is focusing on mixed‑mode chromatographic technologies and their implementation into a robust, industrial purification process by understanding the dependencies on other purification steps, and impacting the GT’s quality, safety, and efficacy.

Your Responsibilities

• Develop and implement purification technologies that enhance manufacturing processes for viral vectors, with a focus on rAAVs by using robotic and benchtop systems.

• Identify, characterize, and fully understand novel technologies related to mixed‑mode chromatographic techniques for viral vector purification.

• Develop strategies to improve overall process productivity and ensure manufacturability.

• Proactively execute projects with internal and external partners and develop your own ideas. Support laboratory and pilot plant work through the transfer of practical skills and collaboration with technicians. Supervise students supporting the project.

• Publish research findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences to contribute to the scientific community and enhance the organization’s visibility.

Your Profile

• You hold a Master Degree excellent qualifications in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related field, coupled with experience in the downstream processing and analytics

• Ideally, you have some experience in the field of virus vector technologies or therapeutic proteins, including small‑scale production and process development.

• You are highly motivated and are willing to work on challenging projects in a continuously progressing field, also requiring detailed investigations.

• You are a strong team player, appreciate autonomous working with excellent planning and organizational skills.

• You foster a collaborative and trusting relationship and enjoy working in an international environment.

Your Benefits

• Flexible working hours

• €3,750 monthly compensation for a full‑time internship longer than 3 months

• Discounted meals (–50%) in our staff cafeteria

• Access to the fitness center on the Roche campus

• Networking opportunities with other students

Your Application

Please upload only your CV online.

This PhD position is offered in collaboration with the Technical University of Mannheim. Please consider whether you can pursue your doctoral studies at this university.

Period: by arrangement, for a duration of 3 years (with a possibility of extension)

We look forward to receiving your application!

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Who we are

A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100’000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life‑changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.

Let’s build a healthier future, together.

Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer.