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Growing up in Basel, Switzerland, one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical hubs, Jonas Kost had front row seats to the discovery, development, and manufacture of drugs and medications. Thus, after graduating from high school, a degree in pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Basel, the country’s oldest university, felt like the best option. Its Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (DPhS) is a critical player in advancing innovation in the pharmaceutical sector through drug discovery and development; its offerings and strong partnerships cultivate future leaders in the industry.
To Kost, there seemed to be no better place to pursue his interests. “What I find particularly rewarding is applying this diverse knowledge to develop innovative treatments that can improve patient outcomes,” says Kost. “For me, there’s no greater satisfaction than contributing to new advancements that help people lead healthier lives.”
The university’s unique location at the intersection of Switzerland, Germany, and France further enhances its international appeal, supported by cross-border initiatives like The European Campus (EUCOR). This attracts top talent eager to explore collaborative and innovative opportunities within the city’s vibrant ecosystem of leading global pharmaceutical companies, innovative start-ups, and cutting-edge research institutions.
Its high quality of life, multicultural environment, and excellent career prospects made it the ideal setting for Kost to successfully graduate with a Bachelor’s in Pharmaceutical Science in 2017.
Before deciding to continue with his Master’s degree, he interned at Roche, a world-leading healthcare company specialising in diagnostics and pharmaceuticals. Basel was the perfect staging ground for him to connect with industry professionals, and he even took up a second internship before deciding to continue for his Master’s.
Two options were available for his field of interest – the Master’s in Pharmacy, geared towards becoming a certified pharmacist, or a Master’s in Drug Sciences, designed for those pursuing an industry-oriented career. He chose the latter.
“For me, the choice was clear; I wanted to be a researcher, developing new technologies in pharmaceutical technology and drug delivery,” says Kost, who carried out his Master’s thesis at Lonza, one of the world’s largest healthcare manufacturing organisations. “The programme captivated me because of its strong connection to the pharmaceutical industry and its comprehensive coverage of the entire drug development process.”
The programme blends theoretical and practical training across the entire drug development process – students master areas ranging from early stages of drug discovery to pharmaceutical development, clinical trials, and regulatory affairs. Career events and lectures from industry speakers provide insights into companies helping students build a strong network and significantly easing the transition into the industry after graduation. You’ll also benefit from a diverse community with international perspectives, working alongside lecturers who are industry experts.
Through cutting-edge research and strong partnerships, the department covers all facets of drug discovery and development, ensuring its contributions address real-world challenges in the pharmaceutical sector. Source: University of Basel
One highlight of the programme is its mentoring initiative. It ensures you receive personalised one-on-one guidance from seasoned professionals in practice and research. Dr. Anamaria Rauh is one of them, bringing over 15 years of experience in drug discovery, development, and clinical project management as a programme mentor. In this role, she gives insights, explores career opportunities, and develops leadership skills.
“We explore various stages, duration, and complexities involved, from initial research to obtaining market approvals,” she says. “I emphasise the critical role of innovation and collaboration throughout this journey. Most importantly, I convey my passion for developing medicines that address unmet patient needs, extend patients’ lives, and significantly enhance their quality of life.”
This drive to better the lives of others is a common trait of the department. Dr. Zorica Dragic, an Executive Director at Novartis in the Biologics Research Centre, sees great value in mentoring, having benefited from the initiative herself while completing her own PhD here at the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
“I take the opportunity to bring to their awareness biotherapeutics as a modality, how multidisciplinary is drug discovery and development, and what is the role of the team which I lead in this process,” she says. “It is a pleasure to share my experience, insights, and challenges, and help with decisions or preparation for important milestones.”
Kost is passionate about using science and innovation to improve patient care, and his time at the University of Basel enabled him to follow his dreams. Source: University of Basel
Both Dr. Rauh and Dr. Dragic have played important roles in guiding their mentees to their career goals. Some graduate ready to join the industry through effective networking, while others continue pursuing academia. Kost is one such graduate, having recently completed his PhD in Pharmaceutical Technology at the University of Basel – this makes him one among many of the department’s highly sought-after experts in pharmaceutical sciences.
Today, he’s a Chief Technical Officer heading research and development at Galvita, a start-up specialising in oral drug delivery. Several of Galvita’s co-founders are senior scientists at the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, reflecting its innovative spirit.
“I’m confident that we can play a role in shifting the landscape of oral drug delivery, and I anticipate seeing more drug carrier systems become available, enabling safer and more effective delivery, especially for complex active pharmaceutical ingredients,” says Kost.
Kost’s story of success is just one of many to emerge from the department. Its dual focus on industry readiness and academic excellence ensures that students are well-equipped for whichever path they choose.
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