PhD Student – Bioprocess Technology (Upstream) at FHNW, Muttenz / Basel

FHNW School of Life Sciences is recruiting a PhD Student in Bioprocess Technology – Upstream at its Muttenz campus in the Basel area, Switzerland. Applications are welcomed through 31 December 2026.

Job Details

Company: FHNW School of Life Sciences (Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz), Institute for Pharma Technology and Biotechnology

Position: PhD Student in Bioprocess Technology – Upstream

Location: Muttenz campus, Basel area, Switzerland

Workplace Address: Hofackerstrasse 30, 4132 Muttenz

Department: Bioprocess Technology Laboratory

Reference: Req 4621

Start Date: By agreement

Contract: Initial one-year contract; if agreed milestones are met in the first year, the contract is extended for the remainder of the PhD, with an end date of 31 December 2027.

Application Deadline: 31 December 2026

Experience: Freshers eligible. Minimum experience 0 years as a PhD student.

Job Description

The position sits in the Bioprocess Technology Laboratory and is offered in close collaboration with an industrial partner, with a research focus on rethinking how antibodies and viral vectors are produced through next-generation upstream process engineering.

As a doctoral student you will design, build and automate cell culture and bioreactor 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.

Key Responsibilities

  • Designing, constructing and automating bioreactor platforms integrated with pumps, flow sensors and peripheral hardware.
  • Developing and operating cell retention and filtration assemblies for perfusion and tangential flow filtration (TFF) operations.
  • Establishing device communication, data acquisition pipelines and advanced process control schemes.
  • Executing mammalian cell cultivations and analysing experimental data to validate emerging technologies and control methods.
  • Troubleshooting hardware and software challenges with creative engineering solutions.
  • Publishing scientific findings in high-impact journals while presenting results at international conferences and to industrial partner meetings.

Eligibility Criteria

  • An MSc degree in biochemistry, bioprocess engineering, biotechnology, chemical or process engineering, or a related field.

Required Skills

  • An 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 working style.
  • A passion for applied research and technical innovation.
  • Teamwork in an international interdisciplinary environment with industrial partners.
  • Excellent written and spoken English.
  • German as an asset.

How to Apply

Official apply link: https://apply.refline.ch/655298/4621/pub/1

Contact for the position: Prof. Dr. Thomas K. Villiger ([email protected])

Recruiting process contact: Cristina Kabas, HR Manager ([email protected])

Additional Information

FHNW School of Life Sciences offers state-of-the-art technical, laboratory and office facilities, collaboration with companies and institutions in Switzerland and abroad, a varied programme of scientific events, and daily contact with students in research and teaching.

Benefits listed on the official notice include:

  • A wide range of university sports.
  • A cultural programme of lectures, concerts, theatre and films.
  • Established equal-pay practice.
  • Targeted promotion of doctoral projects.
  • An annual working-time model (42 hours/week) with options for part-time and teleworking.
  • A mentoring programme for career development.

FHNW is committed to equal opportunities and the compatibility of private and professional life.

About FHNW School of Life Sciences

FHNW School of Life Sciences offers state-of-the-art technical, laboratory and office facilities, collaboration with companies and institutions in Switzerland and abroad, a varied programme of scientific events, and daily contact with students in research and teaching.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ORIGINAL NOTIFICATION / APPLY ONLINE

Applications are welcomed through 31 December 2026 via the official Refline listing.