Jobs & Thesis Opportunities at CAVIGEN
CAVIGEN is a spin-off from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) developing the CaviSphere® platform – 3D cell culture systems with integrated oxygen measurement.
Our goal: more predictive, human‑relevant in vitro models and, in the long run, fewer animal experiments.
If you want to work at the interface of 3D cell culture, Organ‑on‑Chip and startup life, we’d love to hear from you.
Why CAVIGEN?
- Direct impact: Your work directly feeds into real products (CaviSphere® inserts & films) used in research labs.
- KIT spin‑off: Close connection to cutting‑edge research and strong academic & industry network.
- Steep learning curve: Work closely with the founding team (3D cell culture, engineering, business, funding).
- Flexibility: Typical workload 20–40 h/month as a working student; good compatibility with your studies.
How you can join
We currently offer:
- Working student positions in production, construction/engineering, business development, and founder associate & operations
- Bachelor’s and Master’s theses in collaboration with academic partners (e.g., AG Gottwald at KIT)
- Internships on request, depending on topic and timing
Open positions
Production
(m/f/d)
- Support production of CaviSphere® inserts and films (microthermoforming, assembly, QC)
- Help optimize and document manufacturing processes
- Work closely with our Head of Production to scale up from prototypes to small series
Construction & Engineering (m/f/d)
- CAD design of moulds, inserts and microstructured components
- Close collaboration with production to translate designs into manufacturable parts
- Support testing and iteration of new geometries and formats (e.g. 12‑well)
Business Development (m/f/d)
- Identify and qualify leads in academia, pharma/biotech and Organ‑on‑Chip
- Support conference preparation, follow‑ups and CRM maintenance
- Help create materials (slides, one‑pagers, website content) for customers and partners
Founder Associate & Operations (m/f/d)
- Support financial planning, reporting and basic analyses
- Help structure internal processes, tools and documentation
- Work directly with the CEO on day‑to‑day topics (from strategy slides to operational tasks)
Thesis projects (Bachelor / Master)
We regularly offer thesis projects in collaboration with academic groups,especially with the Gottwald lab at KIT (AG Gottwald).
Possible areas include:
- 3D cell culture & assays: Organoids, 3D Mito Stress Tests, O₂ gradients
- Microthermoforming & production: Process optimization, material comparison (PC, PS, PLA)
- Simulation & data analysis: Oxygen distribution in 3D models, evaluation of O₂ sensor data
- Business & market analysis: 3D cell culture markets, NAMs, Organ‑on‑Chip ecosystem
We are happy to discuss concrete topics with you.
How to apply
Please send us:
- a short CV (max. 2 pages),
- your current transcript of records, and
- 2–3 sentences on why CAVIGEN and which role/area you are interested in.
to: christoph.gruen@cavigen.eu
We usually get back to you within about 7–10 days.