Bachelor-/ Master Thesis: »Automation of processes for the differentiation of stem cells«

At the Fraunhofer IPT in Aachen, we work with more than 530 employees every day to make the production of the future more digital, more flexible and more sustainable. In the department »Bio-adaptive Production«, we deal with researching the automation of production processes in the life sciences, in particular the production of cell and gene therapies.

Degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis could be successfully treated with cell therapeutics in the future if the starting materials for new drugs and active ingredients can be produced cost-effectively on a large scale. Automated systems have been developed at the Fraunhofer IPT to increase reproducibility and throughput. For your thesis, you will develop and test a process to differentiate and multiply cells for use as therapeutics.

What you will do

• Cultivation of stem cells such as iPSCs and iMSCs
• Development, establishment and optimization of an automated differentiation process of iPSCs into induced chondrocytes (iCHOs) on a pipetting robot
• Validation of the optimized automated process compared to manual differentiation

What you bring to the table

• You are studying biotechnology, biology, medical technology or a comparable subject 
• Initial knowledge of programming pipetting advantageous
• You optimally have initial experience in dealing with (stem) cell culture and sterile work
• An independent way of working and enjoyment of interdisciplinary teamwork
• Good language skills in German and/or English

What you can expect

• Ideal conditions for practical experience alongside your studies
• Professional supervision and collaboration in a dedicated team
• Participation in innovative research and development projects with renowned industrial partners
• A state-of-the-art automated cell production facility and well-equipped laboratories

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. 

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. 

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!

For any further information on this position please contact:

Lena Felser M.Sc.
Research assistant »Bio-adaptive Production«
Phone: +49 241 8904-124

Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT

Requisition Number: 75817                Application Deadline: