University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland
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PhD Student in Bioprocess Technology – Downstream Processing of Biologics University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) in Switzerland
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Biomedical Engineering
Funding
The position is offered on an initial one-year contract, with extension for the remainder of the PhD if agreed milestones are met. The contract ends on 31 December 2027. No stipend or specific salary details are stated.
Deadline
Dec 31, 2026
Country
Switzerland
University
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland
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About this position
This PhD project in Bioprocess Technology – Downstream is based in the Bioprocess Technology Lab at the School of Life Sciences, Institute for Pharma Technology and Biotechnology, in Muttenz, Switzerland. The research is conducted closely with an industrial partner and focuses on rethinking how antibodies and other biologics are purified.
The doctoral researcher will develop and optimize tangential flow filtration (TFF) processes for ultrafiltration and diafiltration, concentration, buffer exchange and clarification. The work will address antibodies as well as novel modalities including viral vectors and antibody-drug conjugates. A major focus is the design, construction and automation of TFF setups, including single-pass TFF and continuous or integrated downstream configurations.
The project combines hands-on bioprocess engineering with device communication, data acquisition and process control. The researcher will investigate how pumps and flow technologies affect shear-sensitive products, including yield, aggregation, particle integrity, potency and membrane fouling. Troubleshooting hardware and software and developing creative technical solutions are important parts of the role.
Results will be communicated through scientific publications, international conferences and presentations to industrial partners. The research environment offers state-of-the-art laboratory, technical and office facilities, collaboration with companies and institutions in Switzerland and abroad, and an international, interdisciplinary setting. The project is supervised by Prof. Dr. Thomas K. Villiger at FHNW.
Funding details
The position is offered on an initial one-year contract, with extension for the remainder of the PhD if agreed milestones are met. The contract ends on 31 December 2027. No stipend or specific salary details are stated.
What's required
Applicants must hold an MSc degree in biochemistry, bioprocess engineering, biotechnology, chemical engineering, process engineering or a related field. Candidates should have an excellent scientific and technical track record, experience building or modifying laboratory equipment and setups, hands-on experience with pumps and filtration systems in a bioprocess or process-engineering context, experience with sensors, data acquisition or process automation, solid programming skills in Python, MATLAB, C/C++ or similar, and practical experience with protein purification such as chromatography or filtration. A structured, independent and solution-oriented working style, enthusiasm for applied research and technical innovation, teamwork in an international interdisciplinary environment, and excellent written and spoken English are required; German is an asset.
How to apply
Apply online through the direct application portal by 31 December 2026. Prepare the application materials requested in the portal.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.