Biomolecular Technology of Proteins - BioToP

Recombinant production of native and engineered proteins by biotechnological and biopharmaceutical means is a complex process that requires an inter- and multidisciplinary educational training in fields ranging from basic biochemistry and cell biology to production systems based on different organisms of varying complexity, bioinformatics and downstream processing. The proposed doctoral program BioToP (Biomolecular Technology of Proteins) will integrate basic and applied research in the field of modern recombinant protein science and production (from gene to product). It is a joint application of the BOKU Departments of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Food Sciences and Technology, Material Sciences and Process Engineering and Nanobiotechnology, which together constitute the VIBT (Vienna Institute of Biotechnology) of BOKU. In detail, BioToP will provide comprehensive and thorough up-to-date research training in the fields of (i) analysis, design and engineering of proteins, (ii) biosynthesis, posttranslational modifications and trafficking of (recombinant) proteins, (iii) expression systems and cell factories, and (iv) bioinformatics and molecular modelling. The already existing unique cluster of basic and applied research represented by scientists in the field of biotechnology at BOKU provides an excellent infrastructure, the critical mass and a stimulating training environment to facilitate interdisciplinary and translational research. BioToP will provide the unifying educational platform for an international PhD program that will attract highly qualified graduate students from all over the world. Students selected by a competitive and transparent admission procedure will have the opportunity to work in any of 14 research teams with excellent scientific competence and infrastructure as indicated by more than 420 SCI publications and 54 approved FWF projects within the period 2004-2009. Additionally, students will benefit from several existing national and European research networks and industrial competence centres coordinated by BOKU, e.g. the Austrian Center for Biopharmaceutical Technology and three Christian Doppler Laboratories. Alltogether this will provide an excellent, creative and stimulating environment for research and educational training, and prepare PhD students for a successful career in basic and/or applied research. A long-term goal is to apply the same competitive selection criteria and training opportunities for all biotechnology graduate students at BOKU. In a highly competitive scientific and economic environment this will strengthen the position of BOKU as a leader in biotechnological research and increase its attractiveness for highly motivated students as well as for industrial partners.