Summary
The Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems in Magdeburg, Germany, is offering a PhD scholarship for a highly motivated student to join the newly established research group Phase Transition Engineering. This project focuses on developing and optimizing crystallization and precipitation processes for biopharmaceuticals, such as peptides and proteins, to provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional purification methods. The successful candidate will design, build, and operate a liter-scale precipitation platform, integrate downstream steps, and conduct experimental campaigns to understand and optimize process performance. This role involves hands-on experimental work, data analysis, and collaboration with other PhD projects focusing on multi-scale modeling and microfluidic characterization.
PhD Scholarship: Engineering Crystallization and Precipitation Processes for Biopharmaceuticals
Designation
PhD Student (f/m/d)
Key Scholarship Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institute | Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems |
| Research Group | Phase Transition Engineering (Dr. Leif-Thore Deck) |
| Location | Magdeburg, Germany |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Funding | Salary according to TVöD (Bund), E13, 75% |
| Application Deadline | Ongoing until position is filled |
Research Area
- Chemical, Bio- or Process Engineering
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biopharmaceutical Process Development
- Crystallization and Precipitation Processes
- Phase Transition Engineering
- Process Analytical Technology
Location
Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Sandtorstr. 1, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
Eligibility/Qualification
Required:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in chemical, bio- or process engineering, chemistry, physics, or a related discipline, with above-average grades.
- Enthusiasm for hands-on experimental work, including building and automating setups.
- Curiosity about the fundamentals behind processes.
- Team spirit and good communication skills.
- Very good knowledge of English.
Desirable (would be a plus):
- Basic proficiency in German.
- Experience in process design and control.
- Experience in process analytical technology (PAT).
- Programming skills (e.g., Python).
- Experience handling biomolecules.
Scholarship Description
This PhD project is centered on engineering crystallization and precipitation processes for biopharmaceuticals. The goal is to develop an alternative, more cost-effective purification method for peptide drugs like insulin and GLP-1 agonists. The successful candidate will:
- Design, build, and automate a liter-scale precipitation platform for peptides.
- Integrate downstream steps such as centrifugation, filtration, and re-dissolution.
- Implement image-based online monitoring for real-time particle size distribution tracking.
- Plan and execute experimental campaigns to understand and optimize process performance.
- Connect process data with models and microfluidic measurements in collaboration with colleagues.
- Publish results in international journals and present them at conferences.
The project is closely linked to two other PhD projects within the group, fostering a collaborative environment that bridges scales from nanoliter droplets to liters and from molecular mechanisms to process design.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should register via the online application portal of the Max Planck Society. Please upload your complete application documents, which must include:
- Letter of motivation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic certificates/transcripts
- Reference letters
Applications will be assessed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Last Date for Apply
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Apply Link
