Master thesis/Degree project at Application Engineering within Tech Transfer & Lifecycle Management, Fresenius Kabi AB, Uppsala

We are looking for a person who is interested in writing their thesis at Application Engineering, Fresenius Kabi in Uppsala.

The Fresenius Kabi plant in Uppsala is a production facility for intravenous nutrient solutions, parenteral nutrition, and anaesthetics.

The Application Engineering section works with development and improvement of packaging, packaging materials, and supports factories within the Business Unit Pharma & Nutrition in packaging issues. Furthermore, the group is responsible for Market Intelligence, where we, among other things, investigate how Fresenius Kabi's products are used by our customers. 

Proposed Thesis title: “Theoretical Modeling of Sterilization Uniformity in Multi-Chamber Parenteral Nutrition Bags: Influence of Fill Volume, Bag Design, and Process Variables”

Background and Motivation

Parenteral nutrition (PN) bags are critical in clinical settings for delivering nutrients intravenously. Multi-chamber PN bags (2–4 chambers) allow for separation of components until administration, improving stability and shelf life. However, ensuring uniform sterilisation across all chambers during autoclaving is a significant challenge. Uneven F₀-distribution can lead to a smaller process window, increasing cost and reducing flexibility in the production.

This thesis aims to address the theoretical prediction of F₀-distribution in multi-chamber PN bags, considering variables such as fill volume, bag geometry, material properties, and autoclave cycle parameters. 

Objectives

1. Develop a theoretical model to predict F₀-distribution across chambers in multi-chamber PN bags.
2. Investigate the influence of fill volume, head space, bag design (geometry, chamber configuration), and other variables (e.g., thermal conductivity, heat transfer coefficients).
3. Validate the model through comparison with experimental data. 

Research Questions

• How do fill volume and chamber geometry affect heat penetration and F₀-distribution?
• Can a predictive model be developed to estimate sterilisation uniformity before physical testing?
• What are the critical design and process parameters that influence sterilisation efficiency?

Methodology

• Literature Review: Sterilisation kinetics, F₀ calculation, heat transfer in flexible containers.
• Mathematical Modeling: Use of heat transfer equations and sterilisation kinetics to model temperature profiles and F₀-values.
• Simulation Tools: Excel/MATLAB/Python scripts or other suitable software.
• Sensitivity Analysis: Evaluate how changes in design and process parameters affect F₀-distribution.
• Experimental Validation: Collaborate with validation department to test model predictions.

Expected Outcomes

• A validated theoretical framework for predicting F₀-distribution in multi-chamber PN bags.
• Identification of key parameters influencing sterilisation uniformity.
• Guidelines for designing PN bags and to ensure effective sterilisation.

Reporting will be in English.

About you
We are looking for you who are studying a college or university degree in e.g., chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, biotechnology or similar, and will write a thesis in the spring 2026. 

About us
We are a growing company with around 1,000 employees in Sweden and over 40,000 employees worldwide. Our pride in our products permeates the entire company. In our employee surveys, the colleagues, the development opportunities and the family atmosphere are highlighted as some of the best things about working at Fresenius Kabi.

Being part of Fresenius Kabi is synonymous with being part of an environment with prospects. We believe in our people and are passionate about developing all our employees. What that development looks like, you have great opportunities to influence yourself.
Fresenius Kabi has also, for the third consecutive year, been named a Career Company, making us an attractive employer in Sweden thanks to our unique career opportunities.
Our global organization means there is a wide variety of paths to choose from as part of your future development.

Contact us
If you want to know more about the thesis work, you are welcome to contact Lars Karlsson via email, Lars.Karlsson@fresenius-kabi.com
We welcome your application via the link. Unfortunately, we do not accept applications by e-mail or post.
If we identify suitable candidates before the application deadline, we reserve the right to end the recruitment process earlier than advertised.

Our recruitment process includes tests, interviews, reference checks, along with a potential background check and health check.
We may request relevant certificates from your current studies for the interview.