Postdoctoral Fellow in Membrane Technology for Downstream Purification of Biopharmaceuticals
Listed on 2026-08-02
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Research/Development
Research Scientist, Biotechnology
Organisation/Company KU LEUVEN Department chemical engineering Research Field Engineering » Chemical engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Final date to receive applications 28 Aug 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number BAP
- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
The downstream purification of biomolecules (e.g., monoclonal antibodies) is an indispensable part of biopharmaceutical production of therapeutics such as therapeutics, immunodiagnostics and vaccine development. The large market demand pushes significant increase in upstream production, shifting the manufacturing bottleneck to downstream processing. As the main stream purification technology, resin column chromatography faces significant challenges to keep up the demand due to low throughput and process complexity.
Membrane-based chromatography emerges as a promising alternative offering high throughput and much milder operation, but is still at early stage development. Thus, this project aims to develop a novel class of stimuli-responsive membranes with high throughput, exclusive selectivity towards antibody & competitive binding capacity, but with significantly simpler process steps and lower consumption of process materials. The success of this project will expect to make a significant leap in downstream purification of therapeutic biomolecules, immensely simplifying the process with increase productivity.
To achieve this ambitious goal we are seeking a high caliber postdoctoral researcher to be part of this exciting research program and design novel membranes for sustainable bioprocessing, with interdisciplinary experiences in (bio) chemistry, biopharmaceutical and membrane technology. Experience in chemical engineering research can be of added value.
If you are highly motivated researchers in the areas of Polymer Chemistry and Membrane Technology with passion in sustainable bioprocessing, you are strongly encouraged to enquire and apply.
Profile required:
- Requirement:
PhD degree in Polymer Chemistry or in equivalent discipline with competitive publication record, preferably with experience in Chemical Engineering fields. - Knowledge and experiences in the relevant fields as described.
- Willingness and experiences with postgraduate supervision and teaching.
- Fluent English (written and verbal communication) for scientific interactions.
- Self-motivated, passionate and great interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to work in interdisciplinary field.
The successful candidate will be offered a Postdoctoral fellow position to become part of our international team with global research connections.
The initial postdoctoral contract is provided for one year with a perspective to extend. The salary package is based on the KU Leuven standards linked to your post PhD experience.
The successful candidate will be offered a Postdoctoral fellow position to become part of our international team with global research connections.
The initial postdoctoral contract is provided for one year with a perspective to extend. The salary package is based on the KU Leuven standards linked to your post PhD experience.
Eligibility criteria
If you are highly motivated researchers in the areas of Polymer Chemistry and Membrane Technology with passion in sustainable bioprocessing, you are strongly encouraged to enquire and apply.
Profile required:
- Requirement:
PhD degree in Polymer Chemistry or in equivalent discipline with competitive publication record, preferably with experience in Chemical Engineering fields. - Knowledge and experiences in the relevant fields as described.
- Willingness and experiences with postgraduate supervision and teaching.
- Fluent English (written and verbal communication) for scientific interactions.
- Self-motivated, passionate and great interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to work in interdisciplinary field.
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