PhD Student Bioprocess Technology – Upstream

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 viral vectors are produced. You will design, build and automate cell culture setups that combine state-of-the-art pump, filtration and sensor technology, and develop new upstream 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.

• Design, build and automate bioreactor setups, integrating pumps, flow sensors and peripheral equipment
• Develop and operate cell retention and filtration systems for perfusion and TFF processes
• Develop device communication, data acquisition and process control
• Run mammalian cell cultivations and analyze the data to validate new technologies and control strategies
• Troubleshoot hardware and software issues and propose creative technical solution
• 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
• Experience in mammalian cell culture technology, antibody or viral vector expression and purification
• 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)
• 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 31.12.2027.

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