Internship : Plant Cell Culture Process Development

Mission and key tasks As an intern in the R&D Biotechnology team, you will contribute to the development and optimization of plant cell culture processes in controlled bioreactor environments.

The internship project focuses on the cultivation of differentiated plant cells in vitro, with particular emphasis on process optimization for biomass production.

During this internship, you will:

• Cultivate plant cells under sterile conditions in laboratory- and pilot‑scale bioreactors
• Optimize cultivation parameters such as media composition, inoculation density, agitation, aeration, and culture duration
• Monitor and quantify growth performance and physiological parameters
• Perform routine sampling and basic analytical measurements related to cell growth
• Maintain and apply good aseptic technique and laboratory best practices
• Document experimental results and contribute to data interpretation and reporting

What you will gain :

• Hands-on experience in applied R&D at Puratos, a global food innovation company with a strong focus on science‑driven solutions
• Exposure to industrial biotechnology in a real product‑oriented research environment
• Practical experience translating fundamental concepts into scalable processes
• Close mentoring by experienced R&D scientists and integration in an active multidisciplinary research team
• Insight into how scientific research feeds into long‑term innovation pipelines in a global organization

Depending on the internship duration and student background, the project can be adapted to support a master thesis.

Who are we looking for?

• You are a Master student (or final-year Bachelor with strong interest in research) in bioengineering, biotechnology, bioscience engineering, biochemical engineering, plant or industrial biotechnology.
• You have hands-on experience with wet lab work, preferably from teaching or research laboratories.
• You are familiar with basic microbiological or cell culture techniques and sterile/aseptic working conditions.
• You are:
• Motivated to work experimentally in the lab
• Comfortable working independently as well as in a team
• Curious about bioprocess development and scale-up
• Proficiency in English is required, as English is the working language
• Nice to have (but not mandatory): experience with plant cells, microbial cultures, or bioreactors

Practical info’s

• Period of the internship : Start date in September 2026, for a duration of preferably 6 months (minimum 3 months)
• Location of the internship: Puratos HQ, Groot-Bijgaarden, Belgium. On-site laboratory work
• 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.