Molecular Drug Targets

Discovery and development of new drugs is driven by the increasing application of molecular pharmacology (mutational analysis), molecular modeling and methods to elucidate drug interactions with 3D structures of proteins. Model organisms (e.g. "knock in" or transgenic mice) are of key importance for identification of drug targets and their validation. Technological platforms that range from molecular and cell biology, chemistry to model organisms are applied in parallel and data retrieved provide the basis for predictive in silico models. Research in the field of drug discovery and development thus requires a broad knowledge of biological, pharmaceutical and medical issues, biophysics, genetics, chemistry, and computer technologies. The Doctoral Program (DP) Molecular Drug Targets (MolTag) brings together 9 groups from the University of Vienna, the Medical University Vienna, the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna and the Vienna University of Technology to provide a platform for supporting PhD projects on an integrated drug discovery approach. The consortium is interested in the basic mechanisms by which ion channels and transporters are modulated by drugs or natural products. Within the DP we will exploit the different methods and expertise present in the consortium, which include electrophysiological techniques, methods of pharmacoinformatics, generation of animal models, chemical synthesis of natural products and chemical compound libraries, mutational analysis, biophysics and mathematical modeling. Special attention will also be drawn to off-pharmacology, such as the hERG potassium channel. Besides the daily interaction between the supervisor and the PhD students the teaching and training concept comprises also a lab rotation at the beginning of the thesis, a journal club, a MolTag seminar, and an annual scientific retreat organized by the students. Appointment of a co-supervisor, development of a personal career plan for the students, a series of enabling skills seminars and establishment of a scientific advisory board will guarantee a high quality of supervision. Last but not least students are encouraged to spend 3-6 months at a research group abroad.