PhD student for the development of optimisation processes for the production of cultured meat

The Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME is a strong partner for contract research in the areas of agriculture, food and feed, raw materials, as well as chemistry, and environmental and consumer protection. Our interdisciplinary organization allows us to process complex projects across departments and where appropriate, also focuses on cooperation with external institutes and partners. We work closely with basic research and are internationally networked. Our laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment allow us to offer a wide range of research and services as well as studies according to good laboratory practice.

The Cultured meat group at the Fraunhofer IME aims to revolutionize the way we produce meat by culturing animal cells in vitro, eliminating the need to harm animals while reducing environmental destruction and public health risks.

Our group focuses, among other things, on scaffold development and bioreactors since they are of great importance for scaling up cultured meat production while maintaining the highest levels of quality and safety.

To strengthen our team, we are looking for a PhD student to start as soon as possible who will focus on 3D scaffold development, as well as cell culture and bioreactor optimization for the production of cultured meat.

Be part of change

• Design 3D scaffolds/hydrogels for efficient cell attachment and differentiation using modified plant viral nanoparticles.
• Perform 3D cell culture experiments on scaffolds and analyze cell proliferation and differentiation.
• Exploit developed scaffolds and IME novel bioreactor to develop a cultured meat production process.
• Analyze, summarize, and present experimental results.
• Write publications and patent applications.
• Supervision of Bachelor and Master students.

What you contribute

• We are looking for applicants with a Masters in cell biology, biochemical engineering, biotechnology, biomedical engineering or other related science/engineering field.
• The applicant must have a scientific understanding of scaffold development and cell culture processes.
• Prior experience with bioreactors and bioreactor process optimization is a plus.
• Good analytic and imaging skills.
• Very good communication skills.
• Highly motivated with the ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.

What we offer

• A very good working atmosphere in an interdisciplinary, international, open-minded and collaborative team.
• A positive and appreciative institute culture that creates scope for creative thinking and innovative action a large network within the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft.
• A company pension scheme (VBL) and capital-forming benefits.

The position is initially limited to two years. Remuneration is in accordance with TVöD EG 13 (65% position). The weekly working time is 39 hours.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best promote their abilities. The same applies if they do not meet all the profile requirements due to a disability.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.

Ready for a change? Then apply now and make a difference! Once we have received your online application, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible and let you know what happens next.

Dr. Julius Ngwa Che

Group Leader Cultured Meat

Forckenbeckstraße 6, 52074 Aachen

Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Division Molecular Biotechnology

Requisition Number: 82186

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