Jørgen Barsett Magnus

RWTH Aachen University, a leading institution in engineering and technology, is seeking two PhD candidates in the area of Industrial Biotechnology, with a focus on gas fermentation processes. The positions are based at the Chair of Biochemical Engineering (AVT.BioVT), led by Professor Jørgen Barsett Magnus, and are part of the renowned Aachen Chemical Engineering (AVT) network. The research group specializes in developing innovative biotechnological production processes, with core competencies in industrial and pharmaceutical biotechnology. The successful candidates will join the Industrial Biotechnology Group, working on the development and implementation of advanced measurement technology to enhance biotechnological processes. The research aims to contribute to the transition to a circular bioeconomy and the reduction of CO2 emissions, with a particular emphasis on scaling and implementing gas fermentation under real conditions. The group collaborates with international partners from industry and academia, offering a cross-disciplinary and application-oriented research environment. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in (bio)process engineering, biotechnology, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline. Strong expertise in biotechnology and/or (bio)process engineering is required, and experience with gas fermentation microorganisms is advantageous. Candidates must demonstrate teamwork, independence, and fluency in English; German language skills are desirable. The positions are regular employment contracts under the German public service salary scale (TV-L), pay grade EG 13 TV-L, part-time (26.55 hours/week), initially for one year with a planned extension to three years. The roles offer the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree. RWTH Aachen University is committed to equal opportunities and encourages applications from underrepresented groups, especially women. Application deadline is 18 February 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the provided job links or contact the Chair of Biochemical Engineering. Applications can be submitted via email or mail, referencing Application Number V000010598.

RWTH Aachen University is advertising several new PhD positions in the group for Industrial Biotechnology , with starts planned for Q1 2027 and potentially also Q4 2026 . The first vacancy is linked in the post, and more openings are expected to be posted later. The research environment is centered on developing new methods and technologies for innovative biotechnological processes. The goal is to convert renewable resources or waste streams into valuable products such as chemicals. The group is involved in major initiatives including catalaix , the Fuel Science Center , and BioSC , alongside other national and international projects. Typical work includes designing novel bioprocess concepts, running fermentations in bioreactors , shake flasks, and microtiter plates, developing theoretical models to understand processes holistically, optimizing bioprocesses, and using or developing innovative online measurement technologies. This opportunity is especially relevant for candidates interested in biotechnology , chemical engineering , process modelling, sustainability, and the transformation of industry toward more circular and renewable production systems. No funding amount, tuition coverage, or scholarship programme is specified in the post. The announcement is a recruitment call for PhD students rather than a scholarship. Interested applicants should use the linked vacancy page for the first opening and watch for additional postings from Professor Jørgen Barsett Magnus.