Internship : R&D - Strain Engineering for Microbial Protein Production

Mission and key tasks

As an intern in the R&D Strain Development team, you will contribute to the development and evaluation of microbial strains for protein production.

The project focuses on creating and assessing microbial host strains and genetic tools to support efficient protein expression and secretion. Activities will combine molecular biology, microbiology, cultivation, screening, and data analysis. 

 During this internship, you will:

• Support the design of genetic constructs and expression strategies.

• Generate and maintain microbial strains using standard molecular biology and microbiology techniques.

• Perform small-scale cultivation and screening experiments.

• Evaluate strain performance using relevant analytical methods.

• Compare different strain, construct, or expression options.

• Analyse and visualise experimental data.

• Document experimental work and contribute to the improvement of strain-development workflows.

• Present results and conclusions during project reviews and team meetings.

What you will gain:

• Hands-on experience in industrial biotechnology and strain engineering.

• Exposure to microbial host development and recombinant protein production.

• Practical experience with molecular biology, microbiology, cultivation, automation and screening methods.

• Development of experimental design and data-analysis skills.

• Insight into industrial R&D and the development of microbial production platforms.

• Close mentoring from experienced scientists within a multidisciplinary R&D environment.

Who are we looking for?

• You are currently pursuing a Bachelor or Master's degree in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Bioscience Engineering, Biochemistry, Synthetic Biology, or a related scientific discipline.

• You have a strong interest in microbial strain development and industrial biotechnology.

• Proficiency in English is required.

• You enjoy laboratory work and experimental research.

• You are curious and eager to learn.

• You are analytical and scientifically rigorous.

• You are comfortable working independently as well as within a team.

• You are organized and proactive.

• Knowledge of molecular biology, microbiology, genetic engineering, fermentation, protein expression, or data analysis is considered an asset.

Practical info’s

• Period of the internship : in 2027
• Duration of the internship : minimum 5 months
• Location of the internship: Puratos Andenne

• The project may be adapted to support a Master thesis depending on the student's academic program.

• To be eligible for this role, candidates must hold a valid work and residence authorization allowing employment in Belgium. Puratos is not sponsoring work permits or visa applications for this position. 

Who are we?

Puratos is a growing, international, Belgian family business with a team of more than 11 000 employees worldwide. Since 1919, we have been developing, producing and distributing innovative ingredients for the bakery, patisserie and chocolate sectors and helping our customers to be successful. We are committed to the health and well-being of people and protecting the planet.

Are you looking for the right recipe for your career? Choose Puratos, a Top Employer in Belgium.

We at Puratos cultivate an inclusive global workplace, that fully embraces diversity and equal opportunities for all. We strive to reflect the richness of our customers, communities and society, accelerating our ability to innovate and deliver on our commitments.