INDUSTRIAL PHD CANDIDATE IN CANCER IMMUNOTHERAPY / BISPECIFIC ANTIBODIES (BIOLOGY GROUP)

• 25 August 2026 • 100% • Indefinite duration • Zurich About us Philogen is a Swiss-Italian integrated biotechnology company founded in 1996, dedicated to the development of innovative biopharmaceuticals for cancer therapy. Philochem AG is the R&D discovery center of the Philogen group located in Otelfingen (Zurich, Switzerland). Promising preclinical candidates developed at Philochem are then produced in Philogen's authorized Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facilities in Siena (Italy). The company currently sponsors and coordinates Phase I, II, and III prospective clinical trials in Europe and the United States. Despite its focus on cancer research, the company is also active in the discovery of innovative therapies for inflammatory conditions. Philochem operates with four key departments: • Biology: Discovery of innovative therapeutic proteins. • Cell line development: Development of GMP-ready mammalian cell lines expressing therapeutic proteins. • Chemistry: Creation of targeted organic small molecules for diagnostics and therapeutics. • Mass spectrometry: Linking biology and chemistry to support the advancement of preclinical and clinical products. Your role We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our biology team as part of an industrial doctoral project in the field of cancer immunotherapy, with a focus on therapeutic bispecific antibodies. In this position, you will contribute to the design, engineering, and characterization of next-generation antibody-based molecules, including bispecific and immunomodulatory formats. Your work will support the preclinical development of new therapeutic candidates, with the goal of their progression toward clinical translation. You will apply state-of-the-art techniques in molecular cloning, protein expression, and purification, and perform a wide range of in vitro assays (e.g., T cell activation, cytotoxicity, flow cytometry) to evaluate biological activity. The project will also include testing selected candidates in relevant in vivo models to evaluate their translational potential. This doctoral project is part of a collaborative framework between Philochem and a partner European university, integrating academic research with a strong emphasis on translation. Selected candidates will begin with a 6 to 12-month pre-doctoral period before committing to a doctoral program. Your tasks • Design and generate bispecific antibody constructs using molecular biology techniques • Produce and purify antibody-based molecules in mammalian expression systems • Perform in vitro assays (immune cell assays, reporter systems, binding assays, cytotoxicity) • Test selected candidates in relevant in vivo models • Analyze data and contribute to experimental planning and problem-solving • Regularly present results within the project team and during scientific meetings • Collaborate with internal experts and multidisciplinary academic supervisors • Write and publish scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals Your profile • Master (MSc) in immunology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field • Solid basic understanding 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 desired • Good communication skills, scientific curiosity, and a proactive mindset • High proficiency in English, both written and spoken What we offer • A dynamic industrial doctoral program at the interface of academic research and biotechnological innovation • Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and an interdisciplinary research environment • Strong mentorship by industrial and academic supervisors • Opportunities to participate in seminars and publish in peer-reviewed journals • A dynamic and collaborative team working on next-generation immunotherapies How to apply Please submit your application including: • CV • Cover letter • University transcripts • Contact details of at least two references Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please send your application to Dr Abdullah Elsayed (abdullah.elsayed@philochem.ch) Due to a high volume of emails, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.