Internship R&D Biotechnology

Join BioFashionTech for a hands-on R&D internship focused on bioprocessing, enzymatic recycling and valorisation of biomass and textile waste. BioFashionTech develops biotechnology-based recycling solutions for complex textile and biomass waste streams, combining scientific research with practical industrial applications at the intersection of circular materials and material recycling.

• Currently pursuing a Master's degree in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Bioprocess Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology, Life Sciences or a related field.
• Comfortable working hands-on in a laboratory environment and interested in applied biotechnology and bioprocess development.
• Previous laboratory experience with microorganisms, aseptic techniques and good laboratory practices.
• Experience with fermentation, centrifugation, membrane filtration, freeze drying or related laboratory equipment is an advantage.
• Analytical skills with at least HPLC, GC, IC and photo-spectrometry; hands-on experience with NMR and MS is preferable.
• Familiarity with (bio)chemical engineering principles and high affinity with microbial processes; industrial fermentation experience is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving mindset and ability to deal effectively with setbacks.
• Excellent Python and/or advanced Excel skills for data analysis and visualization.
• Ability to set up accurate mass balances and evaluate process efficiency.
• Good communication skills, fluency in English (written and spoken) and ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Willingness to put in extra hours when necessary and openness to feedback and continuous improvement.

• Conduct experiments on fermentation and enzymatic processing using different biomass and textile feedstocks.
• Support upstream fermentation activities, including media preparation, inoculation and culture maintenance.
• Perform enzymatic hydrolysis experiments and investigate effects of feedstocks and process conditions.
• Participate in downstream processing activities such as filtration, membrane-based separation and product recovery.
• Carry out microbiological experiments using appropriate aseptic techniques and maintain good laboratory practices, hygiene and safety standards.
• Collect, organise and document experimental data accurately and prepare results in the formats established by the research team.
• Follow experimental protocols and progressively operate laboratory equipment independently; support colleagues with equipment, experimental setup, troubleshooting and general laboratory activities.
• Perform enzymatic assays and enzyme activity analysis and contribute to process optimisation, reproducibility studies and evaluation of relevant process parameters.
• Contribute to designing and implementing laboratory and pilot-scale processes toward commercial-scale demonstration, and develop related operational, safety, quality control and quality assurance procedures.
• Set up accurate mass balances, assist in techno-economic analysis of OPEX and CAPEX, and create and maintain planning for experiments and process implementation.

Duration: 6 to 12 months. Commitment: full-time. Start: from October 2026 with rolling start dates; immediate starts possible depending on candidate availability. Location: Groningen, The Netherlands. This is a recurring internship opportunity with positions available throughout the year.

The internship offers hands-on experience in an early-stage biotechnology company, direct contribution to experimental research and process development, and experience translating laboratory results toward scale-up. You will work in an international, interdisciplinary environment and have the opportunity to take increasing responsibility and collaborate closely with experts.

BioFashionTech is a biotechnology company focused on reducing the environmental impact of fashion by developing innovative, biology-based recycling and valorisation solutions for complex textile and biomass waste streams. The team operates at the intersection of biotechnology, bioprocessing, circular economy and material recycling, aiming to translate scientific research into practical industrial applications.

BioFashionTech values diversity and equal opportunity. All qualified applicants receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. Applicants who do not match every criterion are encouraged to apply and to highlight transferable skills.