Industrial PhD Candidate - Cancer Immunotherapy (Bispecific Antibodies)

About the role

Philochem, the discovery R&D centre of the Philogen Group in Otelfingen (Zurich, Switzerland), is looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to join its Biology team in an industrial doctoral project on cancer immunotherapy, focused on bispecific antibody therapeutics. The project is embedded in a collaboration between Philochem and a European university partner, combining academic research with a strong translational focus. Selected candidates start with a pre-PhD period of 6-12 months before committing to a PhD programme.

Key responsibilities

• Design and generate bispecific antibody constructs using molecular biology techniques
• Produce and purify antibody-based molecules in mammalian expression systems
• Perform in vitro assays such as immune cell assays, reporter systems, binding assays and cytotoxicity tests
• Test selected candidates in relevant in vivo models
• Analyse data and help plan experiments and troubleshoot
• Present findings regularly within the project team and at scientific meetings
• Collaborate with internal experts and academic supervisors
• Write and publish scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals

Required profile

• MSc in Immunology, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a related field
• Strong foundation in and interest in cancer immunology, immunotherapy and therapeutic antibody development
• Hands-on experience in molecular cloning, cell culture and protein biochemistry; in vivo experience is a plus
• Familiarity with immune cell assays and flow cytometry is desirable
• Excellent written and spoken English

What we offer

• A dynamic industrial PhD programme at the interface of academic research and biotech innovation
• Access to cutting-edge infrastructure and an interdisciplinary research environment
• Strong mentoring from industry and academic supervisors
• Opportunities to attend seminars and publish in peer-reviewed journals
• A vibrant, collaborative team working on next-generation immunotherapies

To apply, send your CV, motivation letter, university transcripts and contact details of at least two references by email. Applications are reviewed continuously and only successful candidates are contacted for an interview.