PhD Student Bioprocess Technology - Downstream

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 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 .
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 31 December 2026.

www.fhnw.ch/en/about-fhnw/schools/lifesciences
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