Biotechnology Intern - Probiotics

About the role

Nestlé Research & Development in Konolfingen is looking for a Biotechnology Intern to join its Science & Technology department. You will help develop and optimise fermentation and downstream processes for probiotic bacteria, supporting projects that turn probiotics from liquid cultures into shelf-stable powders. About 70-80% of the work takes place in the laboratory, combining wet-lab experiments with data processing. The internship lasts 6 months and starts in February or March 2027.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and run fermentations with probiotic bacteria in laboratory-scale bioreactors and help optimise fermentation parameters and manufacturing processes
• Help plan and carry out laboratory drying trials, assessing strategies and process parameters to limit bacterial losses during production and throughout shelf life
• Analyse probiotic samples with microbiological methods and explore new technologies for probiotic bioprocessing
• Process, compile and interpret experimental data
• Document and communicate results through reports and presentations, discuss next steps with colleagues and support key Science & Technology projects

Required profile

• Bachelor's or Master's student, or recent graduate, in Biotechnology, Industrial Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biology, Molecular Biology, Food Science or a related field
• Understanding of microbiology and microbial growth, with a strong interest in industrial biotechnology, fermentation and bioprocess development
• First practical experience with fermentation, bioreactors, microbiological methods or lab experimentation through academic projects, courses or a previous internship
• Fluent English; German is an advantage
• A hands-on, curious and structured approach, with autonomy, collaboration, communication and resilience

Required skills

• Confident use of Excel for experimental data
• Experience with Python, R, MATLAB or another programming language for data analysis and visualisation is a strong advantage

What we offer

• Hands-on experience across fermentation, downstream processing and probiotic manufacturing
• Access to laboratory-scale bioreactors and possibly pilot-scale processing
• Learning and development opportunities, healthcare contribution, Employee Assistance Programme and employee discounts