Master Thesis (Denmark, Gentofte)

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Gentofte, Denmark

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Education

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Master Thesis Student “Investigate fouling in mammalian cell perfusion cultivation”
Are you passionate about biotechnology and eager to make a real impact in the pharmaceutical industry? Do you want to gain hands-on experience while working on a cutting-edge project? If so, we invite you to join us as a Master Thesis Student in our 7706 API MSAT Upstream Process department. The expected start of the project is January 2025.

Case description
Cell cultivation using perfusion processes has several advantages, including its ability to maintain a more stable and robust cell culture while achieving higher cell density compared to e.g. batch mode.
In perfusion mode, a cell retention device is essential. Various devices are available for this purpose, and this project will specifically focus on membrane filtration for cell retention. Currently, limited knowledge exists regarding membrane filtration, as much of the research has been on the cell line, media formulations, and process development.
One specific proposal is to explore the impact of flux on membrane filtration in Alternating Tangential Flow (ATF) filtration. However, the project is also open to other ideas regarding membrane filtration.
Key challenges
• Poor understanding of the fouling mechanism on the cell retention filter in mammalian cell perfusion cultivation
• Improved utilization of the membrane to reduce the need for filter changes
• Scalability across scale: Ensuring smooth scalability of filtration system across sizes to accommodate different production scales and volumes. Furthermore, identify relevant parameters used for evaluating the scale-up/down.
Being a thesis student with us
As a Master Thesis Student, you will:
• Be involved in the project: “Investigate fouling in mammalian cell perfusion cultivation”
• Conduct research and experiments to support the project
• Analyse data and present findings to the team
• Collaborate with our Ph.D. students
• Contribute to the optimisation and life cycle management of upstream processes

Qualifications
We are looking for a student who meets the following criteria:
Need to have:
• Currently enrolled in a relevant Master’s degree programme
• Strong interest in biotechnology and upstream processes
• Basic laboratory skills and experience with cell cultivation
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Good communication skills in English
Nice to have:
• Previous experience with cultivation or fermentation processes
• Familiarity with data analysis software (Excel, Python, JMP etc.)
• Participated in one or more of the following courses: “27034 - Fermentation technology”, “27035 - Experimental fermentation technology”, “27430 - Eukaryotic cell biology”, “27470 Mammalian cell technology for manufacturing of biologics” and “28345 Industrial BioReaction Engineering”

About the department
Our lab and offices are located in Gentofte, where our department focuses on the upstream part of API processes across Novo Nordisk. We are committed to continually optimizing our existing processes, as well as facilitating the introduction and transfer of new products. Furthermore, we actively investigate novel technologies and their potential to enhance our upstream processes. Join our vibrant and inventive team and play a part in our mission to instigate change in the fight against severe chronic illnesses.

Working at Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company with a 100-year legacy of driving change to defeat serious chronic diseases. Building on our strong legacy within diabetes, we are growing massively and expanding our commitment, reaching millions around the world and impacting more than 40 million patient lives daily. All of this has made us one of the 20 most valuable companies in the world by market cap. We recognize the importance of the unique skills and perspectives our people bring to the table, and we work continuously to bring out the best in them. At Novo Nordisk, we’re working toward something bigger than ourselves, and it’s a collective effort.

Contact and Deadline
If you are interested in this project, please create and send in a short introduction of your experience and half a page on how you would solve the project proposal no later than 23 October 2024. Please also mention if you met us at the 2024 DTU x Novo Nordisk Project Bazaar Event.

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.

At Novo Nordisk we recognize that it is no longer good enough to aspire to be the best company in the world. We need to aspire to be the best company for the world and we know that this is only possible with talented employees with diverse perspectives, backgrounds and cultures. We are therefore committed to creating an inclusive culture that celebrates the diversity of our employees, the patients we serve and communities we operate in. Together, we’re life changing.