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INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Bachelor or Master Thesis on Optimization Processes for Cultured Meat

CompanyFraunhofer-Gesellschaft

LocationAachen

Work ModeOn Site

PostedJune 3, 2026

Internship Information

Core Responsibilities

The candidate will focus on increasing cell adhesion in AGK scaffolds through surface modification or hydrogel encapsulation. Responsibilities include culturing mammalian cells, analyzing cell behavior under bioreactor stimulation, and contributing to scientific publications.

Internship Type

full time

Company Size

293

Visa Sponsorship

Language

English

Working Hours

39 hours

Apply Now →

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About The Company

Fraunhofer IGD is the international leading institute for applied research in visual computing. Visual computing is image- and model-based information technology and includes computer graphics and computer vision, as well as virtual and augmented reality. In simple terms, the Fraunhofer researchers in Darmstadt, Rostock, and Kiel are turning information into images and extracting information from images. In cooperation with its partners, technical solutions and market-relevant products are created. Prototypes and integrated solutions are developed in accordance with customized requirements. In doing so, Fraunhofer IGD places users at the forefront, providing them with technical solutions to facilitate computer work and make it more efficient. Owing to its numerous innovations, Fraunhofer IGD raises man-machine interaction to a new level. Man is able to work in a more result-oriented and effective way by means of the computer and visual computing developments.

About the Role

Meat is a crucial source of protein for humans, but its growing demand, driven by population increase, poses significant ethical, environmental, and health challenges. Traditional meat production is linked to animal welfare issues, antibiotic resistance, zoonotic diseases and it significantly impacts the environment by contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, land use and water consumption. Consequently, there is an urgent need for sustainable and ethical meat alternatives.

Cultured meat presents a promising solution, offering substantial environmental benefits such as reduced energy use, land requirements, and greenhouse gas emissions. Nevertheless, it presents several challenges, including the need to develop effective, scalable, and sustainable scaffolds to support cell adhesion and growth. It is imperative that cultured meat scaffolds be composed of non-animal-derived materials to guarantee ethical and regulatory compliance.

Previously, our research group at the Fraunhofer IME in Aachen has successfully developed a novel alginate-guar gum-konjac glucomannan (AGK) scaffold with a great property as a cultured meat analog (Chiu et. al., Future Foods (2025): 100795.). The aim of this project is to increase the cell adhesion rate in AGK scaffolds by 1) surface modification or 2) hydrogel encapsulation with plant-based materials to increase the cell maintenance ability. In addition, the mechanobiological response with bioreactor stimulation will also be investigated.

Be part of change

Fabrication and modification of scaffolds
Culturing and differentiation of mammalian cells
Analysis of cell adhesion, morphology, viability, differentiation and behavior under bioreactor cultivation
Contributing to data evaluation and publication preparation

What you contribute

You are a registered student with a background in biomaterials, bioengineering, biotechnology or a related field
Hands-on experience in cell culture and microscopy techniques
Experience with immunofluorescence staining (desirable but not mandatory)
Strong interest in tissue engineering and cellular agriculture
Good command of the English language
An independent working style combined with strong communication skills

What we offer

A very good working atmosphere in an interdisciplinary, international and open-minded team
A positive and appreciative institute culture that creates scope for creative thinking and innovative action
The opportunity to work in an innovative research field
State-of-the-art and extensively equipped laboratories and technology
A large network within the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

The weekly working time is 39 hours. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best promote their abilities.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.

Ready for a change? Then apply now and make a difference! Once we have received your online application, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible and let you know what happens next.

Dr. Kuo-Hui Chiu

Postdoc - Cultured Meat

kuo-hui.chiu@ime.fraunhofer.de

+49 241 6085 - 144

Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Division Molecular Biotechnology

www.ime.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 84366

Key Skills

Cell CultureMicroscopyImmunofluorescence StainingTissue EngineeringCellular AgricultureBiomaterialsBioengineeringBiotechnologyData EvaluationSurface ModificationHydrogel EncapsulationBioreactor Stimulation