PhD student for Mechanistic Modelling

Rentschler Biopharma SEAs a contract company for the development and manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals, Rentschler makes an essential contribution to the worldwide availability of biopharmaceuticals. We are a strongly growing family-owned company employing approximately 1000 employees. Last year, Rentschler doubled its manufacturing capacity to address growing demands for biopharmaceuticals, which requires a continuous extension of our highly skilled workforce. What unites us at Rentschler, is the passion for what we do. Every member of our team, with the knowledge and skills, is actively committed to the success of our projects. You can become a part of our team! We offer you an exciting work environment with excellent career development opportunities. The group of Prof. Hubbuch at the Faculty of Process Engineering at the KIT focuses on all aspects of modern downstream processing: protein purification, formulation as well as analytics in the biopharmaceutical industry. Research ranges from assessing structural parameters of proteins on a molecular level, transport and surface interaction phenomena of proteins, purification and characterization of bio-nanoparticles and cells to industrial process development. The group has a strong background in mechanistic modelling and process analytical technology (PAT). PhD student Downstream Processing - Mechanistic Modelling (m/w/d) Thesis description and key responsibilitiesAs member of our Process Science DSP group, and in collaboration with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Biomolecular Separation Engineerig, we are seeking a highly motivated, curious, and scientifically driven individual for a PhD studentship for the topic "Mechanistic Modelling in Downstream Processes of Recombinant Biopharmaceuticals". The project will focus on (i) fundamental aspects of mechanistic model establishment for various downstream unit operations, (ii) their implementation and (iii) direct application in the late-stage process development phase within the lifecycle of medicinal products. The PhD thesis project will be initially scheduled for three years. Design and development of mechanistic models for downstream process unit operations and the complete downstream process. Comparison and complementation of statistical models (DoE) by mechanistic models Establishment and customization of systems, software and hardware components within the Process Science Downstream Group. Model training, calibration, validation and application in the context of "real" biopharmaceutical processes. Design and execution of corresponding experiments in the lab including chromatography and filtration unit operations. Design, execution and evaluation of "Design-of-Experiments" approaches within late-stage process optimization and process characterization / robustness studies. Performing of corresponding analytical methods and evaluation of data. Consideration and adherence of compliance with international technological and regulatory framework. Collaborative and interdisciplinary project interactions both in an industrial and academic environment (flexible location changes between Rentschler, Laupheim and KIT, Karlsruhe) Scientific adviser and subject matter expert for mechanistic models in an interdisciplinary and cross-functional team with colleagues from various departments. Presentations at various scientific occasions such as internal / external meetings / conferences. RequirementsWe seek a highly motivated and solution-oriented PhD thesis candidate with an intrinsic scientific curiosity for new "in silico" and digital approaches to resolve current challenges in the purification of biopharmaceutical development. The successful candidate will work independently and self-reliant by transforming her/his own visionary ideas to feasible and pragmatic implementations. She / He further brings the following qualifications: Master's degree or equivalent in biotechnology, biochemistry, bioinformatics or a comparable scientific/technical field Significant knowledge and/or experience of mechanistic modelling in the context of biopharmaceutical processes especially chromatography techniques Experience in the field of DSP development including understanding of chromatographic processes, filtration techniques, protein chemistry and analytical methods in context of industrial pharmaceutical manufacturing High affinity to software-based solutions with focus on data science and machine learning techniques and tools. Knowledge in one or multiple points of the following topics is beneficial: database/SQL-based systems, programming language (R, Python or other), statistical/modelling software (MODDE, JMP, Simca, ChromX), machine learning and artificial intelligence frameworks High level of initiative and excellent organizing ability Entrepreneurial mindset, economic and analytical thinking Strong and collaborative communication skills, team spirit, flexibility and outcome-oriented working Initial understanding of CMC, regulatory aspects and lifecycle of biopharmaceutical products is beneficial Fluent in German and English We offer Inspiring, innovative working environment in a challenging, competitive, fast-paced industrial biotechnology environment Dynamic, open-minded, cooperative and supportive atmosphere with flexible working hours, international / national colleagues, embedded in a good German social system (health care etc.) Attractive compensation In-house cafeteria Workplace childcare Center