Research Assistant/Associate (f/m/d) – Bioprocess development for a circular bioeconomy

Research Assistant/Associate (f/m/d)

Research Assistant/Associate (f/m/d) intending to pursue a Ph.D. – Bioprocess development for a circular bioeconomy

Application deadline: 09/11/2026

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Institution

Chair of Biochemical Engineering

Our Profile

The Chair of Bioprocess Engineering (AVT.BioVT), headed by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jørgen Magnus, is part of the closely connected consortium of Aachen Chemical Engineering (AVT). We are among the world’s leading departments in the development of new methods and techniques for innovative biotechnological production processes and collaborate at the national and international levels with universities, research institutions, and renowned companies. Our core expertise is concentrated in two specialized areas: industrial and pharmaceutical biotechnology.

Our joint research focus is on optimizing a wide range of cutting-edge biotechnological processes using innovative measurement techniques we have developed ourselves. By developing and optimizing efficient bioprocesses, we aim to advance bioprocess engineering as an engineering discipline. In the industrial biotechnology group, we focus on the implementation and development of transformative technologies to realize a circular bioeconomy. The concept of the bioeconomy is deeply rooted in the chair and in the Rhineland mining region. It is reflected, for example, in the utilization of regional waste streams for biotechnological production. In the pharmaceutical biotechnology group, our focus is on the development of novel production technologies for biologics in the fields of cell and gene therapy as well as protein therapeutics.

The doctoral position to be filled is part of the industrial biotechnology group. The group has a wide range of experimental setups that can be used for the development and optimization of bioprocesses. In addition to process development in laboratory-scale bioreactors, there is a focus on the application of online measurement methods in small-scale cultivation systems (microtiter plates, shaking flasks), which provide an exceptionally high density of information even in the early stages of process development. The scale-up of bioprocesses from microtiter plates through laboratory fermenters to the pilot scale is another core competency of the group and can be carried out in the in-house biorefinery. The characterization, optimization, and scale-up of bioprocesses are often supported by data-driven or mechanistic models. Our focus is on the development and application of methods, enabling the use of a broad spectrum of microorganisms, substrates, and products in research applications.

Your Profile

• A completes college degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in (bio)process engineering, biotechnology, mechanical engineering, or a related field.

• You possess strong expertise in biotechnology and/or (bio)process engineering and are committed to further developing your knowledge in this field.

• You are interested in engaging in scientific discourse with colleagues and in sharing your knowledge with students.

• Interdisciplinary collaboration and strong teamwork skills are of great importance to you.

• You are known for your ability to work independently and with determination.

• Fluency in English is a prerequisite. Fluency in German is preferred.

Your Duties and Responsibilities

Ph.D. position in the field of Industrial Biotechnology

• Independent work on a research project in the development, control, and optimization of novel bioprocesses

• Publication of scientific papers in renowned journals

• Representation of the chair and its research projects at conferences

• Supervising student theses and imparting knowledge in the context of courses

• Collaborating on the preparation of research grant proposals

What

We Offer

The successful candidate will be employed under a regular employment contract. The position is to be filled at the earliest possible date and offered for a fixed term for 1 year. An extension to a total of 3 years is planned. The fixed-term employment is possible as it constitutes one of the fixed-term options of the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (German Act on Fixed-term Scientific Contracts). This is a part-time contract position. The standard weekly hours will be 26,33 hours. This is a 67% position. The successful candidate has the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in this position. The salary is based on the German public service salary scale (TV-L). The position corresponds to a pay grade of EG 13 TV-L.

About us

RWTH is proud to be certified as a family-friendly university. As part of our Campus Health initiative, RWTH offers a wide range of health, counseling, and prevention services, including university sports. Employees under collective bargaining agreements and civil servants also benefit from a comprehensive continuing education program and the option to purchase a job ticket for convenient commuting. All University employees also have access to the Corporate Benefits online platform, which offers discounts on a wide range of products and services from participating companies. RWTH is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates and make employment decisions without regard to national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability or age. RWTH is especially committed to supporting the advancement of women in academia. When women are underrepresented in a university unit, preferential consideration will be given to female applicants among candidates of equal merit and professional standing, unless compelling reasons favor another individual. In keeping with RWTH’s commitment to equality of opportunity, we ask that you do not include a photo with your application. Please refer to https://www.rwth-aachen.de/applicant-privacy-policy for information about how we collect and process applicant data in accordance with Articles 13 and 14 of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Number V000011636

Application deadline 09/11/2026

Mailing Address

RWTH Aachen University Lehrstuhl für Bioverfahrenstechnik Dr. Johannes Pastoors Forckenbeckstraße 51 52074 Aachen

Email

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Applicants are invited to submit their applications via email. For data protection reasons, however, we recommend sending applications via mail.

Contact

Dr. Johannes Pastoors

Work Phone: 02418047866