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There is an exciting PhD opportunity in collaboration between Merck Biotech Development Center (Vevey) and the University of Geneva, in Switzerland. The project will focus on the development of innovative analytical methods (chromatography, capillary electrophoresis and mass spectrometry) for the characterization of complex therapeutic proteins. This is a unique chance to join an excellent research environment, working at the interface of academia and industry, and contributing to advances in pharmaceutical sciences.

Publication

doi
Investigating the total breakthrough behavior of oligonucleotides in ion-pairing chromatography and comprehensive HILIC × IP-RPLC
In: Journal of Chromatography A, January 2026
By: Megane Aebischer, Yusraa Abdurahman, et al.

• Demonstration of the Total Breakthrough behavior of oligonucleotides
• Identification of key factors influencing breakthrough in HILIC × IP-RPLC
• Development of a comprehensive HILIC × IP-RPLC method leveraging this behavior for oligonucleotide analysis.

Publication

doi
Systematic evaluation of phenyl stationary phases for oligonucleotide analysis without ion-pairing reagents
In: Journal of Chromatography A, November 2025
By: Athanasios Tsalmpouris, et al.

• Alternative selectivity governed by π-π stacking interactions
• Absence of ion-pairing agents: No need to dedicate instruments as in IP-RPLC
• MS friendly methods using regular volatile salts (ammonium acetate)

Publication

doi
A proof of concept study on the use of online two-dimensional SEC-UV-RPLC-MS method for the multi-attribute characterization of gene therapy products
In: Analytica Chimica Acta, October 2025
By: Megane Aebischer, et al.

• 2D-LC (SEC-UV-RPLC-MS) as multi-attribute method for rAAV products characterization.
• rAAV on-line denaturation between both dimensions.
• Confirmation of 2D-LC's potential for gene therapy products characterization.

Publication

doi
Anion Exchange Chromatography to Determine mRNA Encapsulation in Lipid Nanoparticles
In: Analytical Chemistry, August 2025
By: Athanasios Tsalmpouris, Sofiane Mahjoubi, Jonathan Maurer, et al.

• Separation of free vs. encapsulated mRNA under non-disruptive for LNP conditions
• Mitigation of mRNA/LNP carryover using optimised wash protocols (high pH, high salt, surfactant)
• Detection of additional species, as surface-bound and transmembrane mRNA species — providing structural insights beyond conventional methods