DC8 LifeLUNG - Rethinking rAAV and VLP production using 4D fixed bed reactors
Laatst aangepast: 11/08/25
DC8 will be working at the KU Leuven (team Gijsbers, ADVANTAGE labs, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences). The Gijsbers group focusses on viral vector manufacturing and technology development and applications: (i) engineering and installing of viral vector-based tools for gene therapy employing synthetic vectorology, (ii) development of cell models and gene therapeutic approaches for rare genetic disorders, (iii) innovative viral vector production approaches improving upstream and downstream processing. Additionally, part of the PhD (12M) will be executed at Antleron (https://www.antleron.com), a Leuven based SME, that aims merging the potential of cells, biomaterials, biologics, 3D printing, and bioreactors to accelerate cell and gene therapy engineering.
Project
Project: Enhance production efficiency of rAAV and retroviral VLPs loaded with CRISPR tools (see https://www.lifelung.eu/dc8-project-description)
The project focusses on the bioprocessing of rAAV and retroviral VLPs loaded with CRISPR-tools, the two main viral vector approaches used in LifeLUNG. The project involves wet lab experimental work, ranging from viral vector production, cell transfection and transduction, molecular biology, as well as in silico bioprocess modelling and bio-informatics. More specifically, it will involve experiments to improve production efficiency and optimizing production conditions. The DC will be using DoE, QbD, Bayesian modelling, Cost of Goods (CoG) modelling and digital twin solutions for process optimization (flow conditions, transfection conditions and ratios, production kinetics, harvest timings, …) to obtain a process that has both a high yield and is cost efficient.
A successful project will result in: Insight in the landscape of ATMP production, CoG analysis and process optimization. Modelling of the process environment, and exploration/comparison of production options in silico. Optimized production protocol for rAAV production and for CRISPR-VLP production (at least for one pseudotype and genetic payload). Establishment of a custom FBR and/or production cell line combination for rAAV/VLP production.
Location: Belgium - KU Leuven labs, and Antleron
Profile
- You hold a Master’s degree (no PhD) in bioscience engineering, biomedical sciences, (medical) biotechnology, civil engineering, medicine, pharmacy or a related field.
- You are passionate about life sciences and engineering, and want to achieve a PhD degree on the topic described in the description above
- You are ambitious, well organized and have excellent communication skills.
- You are proficient in English both spoken and written
- You have a solutions-oriented mindset that thrives in a multidisciplinary team
- You can work independently and have a constructive, critical mindset.
- You are an enthusiastic and motivated person, eager to participate in network-wide training events, international travel and public awareness activities.
Willingness to travel
SKILLS & EXPERTISE- Solid knowledge of cell biology, molecular biology and hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture (or other aseptic handling) is key
- Understanding of mammalian cell culture, virology and the viral vector production process (hands-on expertise is a plus)
- Understanding of RNAseq, proteomics and bioinformatic analysis in general, is a plus
- Engineering mindset
- Knowledge on process monitoring techniques and tools
- Statistical data analysis, Design-of-Experiments (DoE)
- Programming experience (preferably python) is an asset
- Knowledge on Numerical analysis (Computational Fluid Dynamics, Discrete Element Method) and Computer Aided Design (CAD) is a plus
Offer
PhD Enrolment: KU Leuven - 24 months, @Antleron - 12 months
International Secondments:
application page LifeLUNG
Interested?
You can apply for this job no later than September 28, 2025 via the online application tool
Heb je een vraag over de online sollicitatieprocedure? Raadpleeg onze veelgestelde vragen of stuur een e-mail naar [email protected]
28/09/2025 23:59 CET
