university of vienna phd biology

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One of Europe's leading PhD programs in the Life Sciences

Autumn Call Now Open

Application Submission Deadline

15 October 2024

Each year our students organize a symposium highlighting various disciplines present across our campus

Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, a Doctoral school of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna in collaboration with the Gregor Mendel Institute (GMI) and Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA) of the Austrian Academy of Science, Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP) and the Max Perutz Labs.

Empowering Curious Researchers

As a student at the Vienna BioCenter PhD Program you will be supervised by a top scientist and have full access to state-of-the-art facilities, thus giving you an opportunity to launch a successful scientific career. Here you will find the freedom and means to develop a brilliant PhD project. The Vienna BioCenter Campus is extremely dynamic and highly multidisciplinary with research areas ranging from molecules to populations.

At the Vienna BioCenter (VBC), we want to foster a world-class scientific environment where PhD students develop and excel. The purpose of the Vienna BioCenter PhD Program is to train rigorous, independent scientists through a comprehensive training program. The program encourages students to positively contribute to the advancement of science by making and publishing important scientific discoveries. The training program will allow students to acquire scientific skills, which are important for a career in science, but also for other career paths.

Our Mission

The mission of the Vienna BioCenter PhD Program is to promote interdisciplinary research in the Life Sciences at the highest level, and to help excellent PhD students develop into tomorrow's leading scientists through a comprehensive training program. The Vienna BioCenter is a world-class scientific research environment where students and group leaders from different backgrounds interact in an inter-disciplinary, open and creative environment. By promoting the exchange of ideas, by bringing together different and often complementary disciplines, and by supporting the development and adoption of novel cutting-edge technologies, we provide outstanding opportunities for ambitious and motivated students. Enrolled students are expected to contribute to the advancement of science by making important scientific discoveries and by publishing these in international, peer-reviewed journals. Our training program educates students in all areas relevant for a career in science and provides additional opportunities to acquire skills relevant for other career paths.

Check out the positions being offered in our latest call

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PhD Programme

Training young scientists is one of the core missions of the IMP. In 1993, the IMP co-founded an international PhD programme in molecular life sciences with the University of Vienna. Today, the "Vienna BioCenter PhD Program" is one of the most prestigious international PhD programmes in biology.

"Empowering curious researchers" is the motto of the Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, the programme that enables students to do research for their PhD at an IMP lab. The main priorities of this programme are the effective mentoring of PhD students and ensuring that all candidates have the support and resources they need to develop their projects.

The selection for the Vienna BioCenter PhD Program is very competitive and successful candidates are rewarded with ample resources. PhD students at the IMP enjoy access to outstanding facilities and scientific services, opportunities to do any experiment useful to support their work and a pleasant work atmosphere in a modern building. All this is offered in the frame of a training programme that has become one of Europe’s most distinguished PhD programmes in molecular biology since its establishment in 1993.

The IMP and its neighbouring institutions offer a vibrant scientific atmosphere. Lecture series and weekly seminars provide PhD students with immediate access to many of the world’s most outstanding biologists. The Vienna BioCenter community with 150 research groups is a fertile ground for stimulating encounters and a good spirit – not last socially.

Meet former and current IMP PhD Students

Apply to the Vienna BioCenter PhD Program

The programme has two international calls per year and recruits approximately 15 motivated young scientists in each call (all PhD Students at IMP are recruited through the Vienna BioCenter PhD Program). Access current calls via the official website of the programme:

Vienna BioCenter PhD Program

What are Group Leaders looking for in a PhD applicant? The Vienna BioCenter PhD Program is competitive and highly selective, so passion for science and research experience will be an important pre-condition. However, there is more to a good applicant. One IMP Group Leader stated that she was looking for "PhD candidates that have curious and creative minds, are passionate about science, are easy going and communicative, are highly motivated and have endurance."

And what can you expect from the programme? The best way to convey the essence of the IMP PhD student experience is perhaps to listen to past and present PhD students – for a start, please note our testimonials below, or read the interview with the 2018 Weintraub Award laureate Annika Nichols on her experience as a PhD student at the IMP.

The Vienna BioCenter is highly international with excellent service facilities supporting the scientific research done here. This is really a great place to pursue competitive science.

A flexible curriculum

The programme's curriculum is flexible and was designed for and with PhD students. The Vienna BioCenter PhD students start with a 3-week introductory course – “Prime your PhD” – which is designed to prime and facilitate the implementation and development of their research projects, specifically on this campus. Throughout their training, students (like postdocs ) present their work to the campus community at the Monday Seminars .

This weekly seminar series is a great vehicle to share knowledge and expertise between different research groups and different institutes. At the same time, the seminars are an opportunity to train PhD students in presentation skills.

Numerous seminars and journal clubs take place on a regular basis, alongside several advanced courses such as scientific writing, advanced microscopy, data analysis, and others. In addition, PhD students benefit from career development workshops.

Each student is free to choose which courses he or she wants to participate in – moreover, students are encouraged to suggest and develop new courses. In addition, the VBC PhD students organise activities such as a retreat and a symposium each year. For this, they are provided with funding, support – and a lot of freedom to develop through task planning and implementation.

Alumni: What former PhD students did

Out of 140 Vienna BioCenter PhD Students that graduated after PhD research at the IMP between in the 1998-2008 decade, no less than 50 are now in Group Leader positions.

A recent survey showed very high satisfaction among alumni: virtually all survey participants see their time at the Vienna BioCenter as having been a great asset for their careers.

More information

You will find further information on the Vienna BioCenter PhD Program and the forms to apply during open call at the Vienna BioCenter training website.

https://training.vbc.ac.at/

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• Research at Vienna BioCenter
• Research Entities
• Anthropogenic Evolution
• Biochemistry, Biophysics, Structure
• Cell and Chromosome Biology
• Cognitive and Behavioral Biology
• Computational Biology, Genomes and Evolution
• Disease Mechanisms, Immunology, Pathogens
• Gene Regulation, RNA, Epigenetics
• Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science
• Neurobiology
• Plant Sciences
• Stem Cells, Development, Regeneration
• Research Groups
• CRISPR/Cas9
• MECHANISMS OF CHROMOSOME SEGREGATION
• HUMAN BRAIN ORGANOIDS
• EPIGENETICS
• 1001 GENOMES
• Recent Research Highlights
• Austrian BioImaging/CMI
• Computational Biology Training
• Electron Microscopy
• Light Microscopy
• Metabolomics
• Next Generation Sequencing
• Preclinical Phenotyping
• Protein Technologies
• Vienna Drosophila Resource Center
• Child Care Center
• VBCF Landing Page
• Projects & Grants
• My VBCF Info-Hub

• Companies at Vienna BioCenter
• Ablevia Biotech
• ADvantage Therapeutics
• Affiris CVD GmbH
• aitiologic GmbH
• BioNTech R&D Austria
• bit.bio discovery GmbH
• CALYXHA Biotechnologies
• G.ST Antivirals
• HeartBeat.bio AG
• HOOKIPA Pharma Inc.
• Miti Biosystems
• MyeloPro Diagnostics and Research GmbH
• Myllia Biotechnology
• Pregenerate
• proxygen GmbH
• QUANTRO Therapeutics
• Thermo Fisher Scientific
• THT Biomaterials GmbH
• Tridem Bioscience
• X4 Pharmaceuticals
• YGION Biomedical GmbH
• LabConsulting
• IG StartUP Solutions GmbH

• Open Positions
• Welcome Office
• Campus Life
• Life in Vienna

• About Vienna BioCenter
• Who is Here (Members)
• Management Team
• Virtual Tour
• Events at the Vienna BioCenter
• Sustainability

Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna

The Faculty of Life Sciences is one of the biggest faculties of the University of Vienna , uniting 8 Departments across the fields of Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Nutritional Sciences.

The Faculty educates more than 11,000 graduate across 22 degree programs, and 3 Vienna Doctoral Schools ,  FWF Doctoral programs  and  innovative training networks . Over 700 scientists conduct world-class basic and applied research.

Five Departments of Biology of the Faculty have found their new academic home in the University of Vienna Biology Building (UBB) as part of the Vienna BioCenter.

The modern and sustainable building houses state-of-the art research infrastructure for 500 employees, as well as teaching laboratories and lecture halls for large audiences.

Departments of the Faculty of Life Sciences that are located at the UBB:

• Behavioral and Cognitive Biology
• Evolutionary Anthropology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Functional and Evolutionary Ecology
• Neuroscience and Developmental Biology

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The Faculty of Life Sciences unites the disciplines of Biology , Pharmacy and Nutritional Sciences . The range of degree programmes offered at the Faculty is the largest among the natural science degree programmes at the University of Vienna. Applied courses in the lab or field work are key elements for the success of the programmes.

The Directors of Study Programmes (SPL and DSPL) plan the teaching programme and decide on questions of study law and study organization. The StudiesServiceCentre of Life Sciences (SSC) administrates all programmes of our Faculty. It serves as a student information centre at faculty level for all questions concerning degree programmes and graduation.

Biology studies life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, identification, and taxonomy. At the University of Vienna, Biology is represented by all its subdisciplines.

Depending on their focus, graduates are able to work in university or non-university research, in public administration, authorities or federal agencies, and in (international) governmental and non-governmental organizations. Graduates may also work in product development and in production and quality control.

The University of Vienna currently offers a Bachelor programme in Biology and 10 Master programmes. Additionally, Bachelor as well as Master teacher accreditation programmes are offered.

The following Master programmes are offered by the SPL Biology:

• Anthropology
• Behaviour, Neurobiology and Cognition
• Conservation Biology and Biodiversity Management
• Ecology and Ecosystems
• Evolutionary Systems Biology

The following Master programmes are offered by the SPL Molecular Biology:

• Genetics and Developmental Biology
• Molecular Biology   
• Molecular Biology, Microbial Ecology, and Immunobiology

Graduates are qualified to work in pharmacies, hospitals, industry (research & development, manufacturing, regulatory affairs, quality control), universities (research and teaching), testing institutions, health agencies, pharmacy retail and specialised publishing houses. 

Pharmacy is the science of drugs. Accordingly, the pharmaceutical sciences cover a group of interdisciplinary areas of study concerned with the design, action, delivery, and disposition of drugs. The pharmaceutical sciences are subdivided into several specialisations, with four main branches: Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Technology, and Pharmacognosy.

• Bachelor programme in Pharmacy

The SPL Pharmacy offers the Master programmes:

• Drug Discovery and Development
• Nutritional Sciences

Professional fields for graduates are: food industry, health care and public health, adult education, public relations and media, insurance and the pharmaceutical industry.                                                                    

Nutritional Sciences is a discipline based on natural sciences that deals with all aspects of human nutrition in theory and practice and works for the individual and societal well-being of people by involving other disciplines in the subfields of health, ecology, technology, production and economy.

The Bachelor programme of Nutritional Sciences is focused on basic knowledge in natural sciences in the first semesters followed by scientific specialisation in topics of human nutrition, food science, and dietetics.

Additionally, Bachelor as well as Master teacher accreditation programmes are offered.

The Master programme with three focuses on moleculare nutrition , food safety , and public health nutrition is research driven.

The SPL Nutritional Sciences offers the Master programme:  

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Application open: ACTIONr PhD Summer School 2024

“Microbial insights into non-CO2 greenhouse gas production and terrestrial biogeochemical cycles under climate change”

Emerging fields for Frédéric Berger, Florian Schur and Christa Schleper

"Crucial steps in evolution: The rise of genome architecture"

Master thesis position open on investigating the Caiman microbiome

Interdisciplinary Master Thesis opportunity in the Departments of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology and Behavioral and Cognitive Biology

Publication in Nature Communications

Metaproteomic analysis decodes trophic interactions of microorganisms in the dark ocean

Erika Wimmer successfully defended her PhD thesis

„Functional complexity and Applications of CRISPR-Cas Systems in the Archaeon Saccharolobus solfataricus"

Chloe Ellis succcessfully defended her Masters thesis

"Comparative analysis of oxygen detoxification proteins in prokaryotes"

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Overwintering strategies in common hamsters

Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology

Biologicum Almtal

Seasonal adaptions

Genetic factors and social structure

Student Conferences

Predator invasion under climate change

Social interactions in Ravens

Social behaviour and physiology in free-living Greylag geese

Effects of dietary fatty acids

Accoustic communication in fishes

Department of Behavioral & Cognitive Biology

We study behavioral and cognitive traits from the multiple perspectives of mechanism, function, development and evolutionary history. Our research centers around questions about cognitive and communicative processes, the endocrine and genetic control of behavior, and the influence of ecological and environmental factors on behavioral phenotypes. We work on a variety of vertebrate species and we conduct studies under controlled lab- and ecologically valid field conditions.

Research Areas

Behavioral endocrinology and genetics, individual differences: behavioral plasticity and consistency, behavioral adaptations: from hibernation and migration to species conservation, behavioral interactions: between individuals and species, social cognition and culture, communication – humans and other animals, bio-aesthetics and sexual selection, news & events.

Metabolic rate and saliva cortisol concentrations in socially housed adolescent guinea pigs.

by: Matthias Nemeth, Susanna Fritscher, Klara Füreder,...

Spatenstich für das Open Science Center in Grünau!

New paper out!

A behavioural exploration of language aptitude and experience, cognition and more using Graph Analysis

by: Alessandra Rampinini, Irene Balboni,...

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Bio-Oceanography and Marine Biology

This research cluster focuses on the ecology of marine organisms from the individual organism level to communities and on their interactions with the environment. Our main research areas are:

• plankton ecology & benthic ecology
• invasive species & biodiversity
• microbial oceanography & marine biogeochemistry

Doctoral Program

The Vienna-based RNA Faculty jointly provides state-of-the-art training in RNA Biology covering all classes of RNAs. RNA-based regulatory circuits are explored in silico, in vitro and in vivo with technologies ranging from bioinformatics over biochemistry to imaging.

Jointly, we offer a structured selection procedure, a PhD committee that oversees the progress of your studies as well as RNA-based lectures, courses and seminars.

To enter the PhD program you can either enroll in the RNA Biology program at the Medical University of Vienna or the Vienna BioCenter International PhD program .

RNA Scientists

For a list of Faculty see here .

We look forward to receiving you application!

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PhD Orientation Week, 02-04.10.2024

Doctoral insights symposium, 24.09.2024.

 News & Events

Two day academic writing workshop, 17.&18.10.2024, 09-17:00

Engaging in academic work, particularly through reading and writing, requires a balance between maintaining a steady writing routine and producing...

VBC PhD Symposium, abstract submission deadline: 02.09.2024

The theme of Symposium this year is 'Into the unknown: Exploring Uncharted Territories in Research', with the aim to highlight the exploratory science...

Doctoral Insights Symposium, 24.09.2024, 14:00

This Symposium is organized by Vienna BioCenter, and has the aim to guide individuals interested in pursuing a PhD in Life Sciences!

doc:muv Mentoring Program, registration deadline: 07.07.2024

The career development program doc:muv is intendent for female* prae-doc scientists of all disciplines and faculties of the University of Vienna,...

1st Summer School of the International Max Planck Research School on Cognitive NeuroImaging (IMPRS CoNI), registration deadline: 20.06.2024

We are excited to invite you to the 1st Summer School of the International Max Planck Research School on Cognitive NeuroImaging (IMPRS CoNI), as a...

FENS Forum Video Competition, applicaiton deadline: 17.06.2024

The Student Host Society Committee (SHSC) team is inviting you to participte in the video competition, where you can display your moments in your...

 PhD Stories

Lange Nacht der Forschung

The doors were wied open from four different locations, from the main University building, to Biology and Chemistry building as well as University...

Rojan Amini-Nejad has been awarded a dissertation price

Congratulations to Rojan Amini-Nejad for winning the ÖAW Dissertation Prize for Migration Research!

Julia Reiter has been awarded the City of Vienna Impact Award 2023

Congratulations to Julia Reiter for winning the Impact Award 2023!

 Defenses

PhD defense of Courtney Pike, 18.09.2024, 17:00

Public Defense in the Doctoral Research Field: Biology

''Investigating the behavior and larval development of the invasive parasitic fly, Philornis...

PhD defense of Franziska Laaber, 02.09.2024, 11:00

Public Defense in the Doctoral Research Field: Psychology

“A Psychological Perspective on Self-Determined Digital Technology Use: Conceptualizing,...

PhD defense of Sarah Emser, 02.09.2024, 13:30

''Mitochondrial impact in hibernation: insights into conservation and translation of...

PhD defense of Marlene Forstinger, 26.08.2024, 11:30

“Contingent Suppression of Visual Attention: Novel Evidence for Proactive Top-Down Control...

PhD defense of Bence Szaszkó, 21.08.2024, 13:00

“The influence of hatha yoga on stress, anxiety, and executive functioning”

PhD defense of Anna Fekete, 20.06.2024, 17:00

“The Health-Related Effects of Art: Investigating the Pain and Stress Influencing Potential...

 Books

Raben - Das Geheimnis ihrer erstaunlichen Intelligenz und sozialen Fähigkeiten

Thomas Bugnyar, 2022, Brandstätter Verlag. Sie sind bekannt für ihre verblüffende Intelligenz, für das clevere Benutzen von Werkzeugen und für ihr...

Buchtipp: Wie klug sind wir wirklich?

Jakob Pietschnig, 2021, Ecowin. Was Intelligenz ist, wie man sie messen kann und warum das so spannend ist, erklärt der österreichische...

Buchtipp: Von singenden Mäusen und quietschenden Elefanten

Angela Stöger, Brandtstätter Verlag, 2021. Wie Tiere kommunizieren und was wir lernen, wenn wir ihnen wirklich zuhören

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Open positions at the University of Vienna

The University of Vienna offers both predefined PhD projects (within the framework of externally funded projects) and the possibility to apply for a PhD position either at the faculty or at one of the Doctoral Schools with your own PhD project. The requirements and deadlines for open PhD positions can be found on the individual websites of the Doctoral Schools as well as at the Job Centre of the University of Vienna. As there are different ways to get funding for your PhD project, we recommend that you to check the different channels for vacancies listed below.

Vienna Doctoral School of Ecology and Evolution

Vienna Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences

Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, joint doctoral school of the University of Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna

• Vienna Doctoral School in Cognition, Behavior, and Neuroscience - from Biology to Psychology and the Humanities (CoBeNe)
• Doctoral School Microbiology and Environmental Science

Vienna Doctoral School in Physics

Vienna Doctoral School in Chemistry

Vienna International School in Earth and Space Sciences

Vienna School of Mathematics | Joint Doctoral School mit der TU Wien

UniVie Doctoral School Computer Science

Vienna Doctoral School of Social Sciences

Vienna Graduate School of Economics

Vienna Graduate School of Finance (VGSF)

Vienna Doctoral School of Historical and Cultural Studies

Vienna Doctoral School of Philosophy

Vienna Doctoral School of Theology and Research on Religion

Advanced Research School in Law and Jurisprudence

For University funded prae doc positions check additionally the vacancies in the Job Center

For external funding we recommend to check

• Doctoral fellowship programme of the Austrian Academy of Science
• Further useful database: grants.at/en

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Master programme in Molecuar Biology

Your steps in the admission procedure depend on whether you have completed your previous degree programme at the University of Vienna or another post-secondary educational institution.

In the  Master Access Guide you can find out with which previous study programmes you may fulfil the prerequisites for admission to this master programme. 

 Degree programme instructed in English

The language of instruction in this degree programme is English. A proof of German language proficiency is not required.

Additional requirements

English language proficiency at level b2.

To be admitted to an English or multilingual master programme at the University of Vienna, you have to provide a proof of English language proficiency. 

To apply for admission to this degree programme, you require a proof of English language proficiency at level B2 . 

Application and admission procedure

Degree from the university of vienna.

This information is only available in German.

Degree from another university

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BCB - Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

The interdisciplinary research field bioinformatics comprises versatile branches of science like mathematics, computer science, and various natural sciences. This phenomenon is also reflected in the composition of the „Bioinformatics and Computational Biology“ research group. The groups of Professor Ivo L. Hofacker and Professor Arndt von Haeseler is therefore made up of researchers from computer science, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and statistics. Research interests of both groups are:

• Sequence evolution and phylogeny reconstruction analyzes biological sequence data in order to reconstruct the relationship between today's diverse species . An important question is: „Which mechanisms shape the sequence variation we observe?“ This entails e.g. the development of new models that capture the process of sequence evolution under various constraints. Efficient algorithms that implement appropriate models are an essential step to address the above question.
• RNA bioinformatics comprises the analysis of diverse properties of RNA molecules. For a long time RNA was only seen as an information carrier to synthesize proteins from their DNA template. In recent years, however, non-coding RNAs have moved into the focus of research. A zoo of diverse functional RNA molecules has been identified that regulate processes such as transcription, translation, mRNA processing and modification, as well as the translocation of molecules in the cell. The development of algorithms to detect RNA genes, the prediction of their structure on different abstraction levels, as well as the detailed characterization of these molecules forms an essential topic in our research group.
• Population genetics is an area of research dealing with the evolution of populations of individuals from a single species in a particular habitat. An important part is the analysis of gene and genotype frequencies under the influence of processes such as natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and migration. The research group develops and tests novel methods to trace back the demographic history of populations.
• Synthetic biology comprises two basic approaches. The first tries to manipulate existing biological systems in order to achieve desired properties. One might, for example, modulate a metabolic pathway, such that a desired enzyme or metabolite is produced in higher quantity. The second approach deals with the design of biological building blocks and systems that don't occur in nature. Thus, synthetic biology uses a constructive approach to problems that cannot be solved through observation and analysis, or through our current understanding of naturally occurring systems.

In addition to the research areas above, new experimental methods, such as high throughput sequencing, require the development of innovative algorithms for efficient data analysis . This bridging between lab bench and computer science has been a hallmark of the research group „Bioinformatics and Computational Biology“ in the past years. Strong international cooperations foster research-oriented teaching that includes classical as well as recently published bioinformatical methods and algorithms.

PhD Program "Vascular Biology"

• Studies, Training and Further Education
• Cardiovascular Medicine Research Cluster
• PhD Program "Vascular Biology"

The PhD program provides cutting-edge research training and education in different fields of Vascular Biology and allows students to use their knowledge not only in basic research, but also in many clinical disciplines. The program is made up of many Medical University Vienna members from various departments with the goal of training students for careers as independent investigators for research-based positions both in academia and in industry with a focus on Vascular Biology.

Vascular biology is a rapidly evolving field in medical research. During the past decades it became more and more evident that blood vessels are a very complex system, which is involved in the regulation of a variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes in the organism.

The cellular substrate of Vascular Biology are cells of the vascular wall such as endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, pericytes, and fibroblasts, as well as cells that interact with the vascular wall such as leukocytes or platelets, the products of megakaryocytes. Endothelial cells, leukocytes, and platelets participate in the regulation of blood coagulation, which prevents excessive blood loss after injury. However, if blood coagulation is disturbed, thrombus formation occurs. These thrombi may then lead to the occlusion of blood vessels, which results in malperfusion of the respective tissues and – depending on the localization – in events such as myocardial infarction or stroke. In addition, the process of clot dissolution or fibrinolysis is regulated by endothelial cells, but also by mast cells.

An important area within the field of vascular biology is the research on atherosclerosis, a major disease in Western countries with millions of affected patients in Europe and the United States. In atherosclerosis, initial inflammatory changes in the blood vessel lead to migration of monocytes/ macrophages into the vessel wall and to the development of “fatty streaks”. More and more macrophages invade the area and are transformed to so called foam cells, and smooth muscle cells proliferate. Inflammatory tissue edema, cellular proliferation, and matrix deposition increase the size of the lesion, which then protrudes into the vessel lumen and mechanically impedes blood flow. Such an atherosclerotic plaque can become instable with loss of vascular integrity and influx of plasma components into the vessel wall. The consequence can be plaque rupture with concomitant release of thrombogenic substances, which lead to the formation of a thrombus and to the complete occlusion of the blood vessel (see above). Finally, we should mention another area within the field of vascular biology: The formation of new blood vessels by sprouting from existing vessels (angiogenesis) or from stem cells (vasculogenesis), respectively. These processes play a central role in a variety of physiological and patho-(physio)logical processes. The formation of new blood vessels is essential for wound healing, reproduction, tumor growth and metastasis (to “survive” the tumor needs its own vessel supply).

For these reasons it is evident that the study of vascular biology, from which only a few have been mentioned above, should allow the students to use their knowledge not only in basic research, but also in many clinical disciplines, such as cardiology, angiology, oncology, dermatology, and reproductive medicine. It is the aim of this program to educate scientists, who are able to independently perform basic as well as clinical research at the university level as well as outside the university. To reach this goal students enrolled in this program should be made familiar not only with basic principles of cell- and molecular biological aspects of vascular biology, but also with the application of this knowledge for the understanding of diseases and therapeutic concepts. This should be assured by the participation of both, basic research and clinical institutes, in this program.

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Kimberly Kelly, PhD, Named Editor in Chief for Molecular Imaging and Biology Journal

September 3, 2024 by [email protected]

Kimberly Kelly, PhD

After an international search, Kimberly Kelly, PhD, a professor of biomedical engineering at the UVA School of Medicine and UVA School of Engineering, has been named Editor in Chief of the journal Molecular Imaging and Biology. The journal is a premier publication produced by the World Molecular Imaging Society focused on discovery of molecular mechanisms of health and disease through the use of imaging techniques.

Dr. Kelly was selected for her outstanding molecular imaging research, excellent communication and leadership skills, and strategic vision for shaping the direction and growth of the journal’s impact worldwide. Dr. Kelly will begin her new role effective September 10, 2024.

The Kelly Lab uses computational methods and bioinformatics to develop more effective and less toxic cancer drugs through the identification of disease-relevant druggable targets, with a special emphasis on translation to the clinic and commercialization.

“Our vision is to impact patient lives through the development of more effective and less toxic medicines. We accomplish this through functional screening, AI to identify disease relevant targets and then develop drugs to change disease prognosis,” stated Dr. Kelly.

Congratulations to Dr. Kelly for her outstanding leadership in the field of molecular imaging.

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Dive into interdisciplinary research, blending computational biology and bioinformatics.

Why choose this program?

Embark on interdisciplinary research at Dalhousie, merging computational biology and bioinformatics. This customizable program emphasizes hands-on research and support from diverse faculty, tailored to individual backgrounds.

Due to the research-oriented program design, most graduates continue on to a Ph.D. program in a specific discipline. 

Bioinformatics as a field produces graduates prepared for emerging fields in medicine or in industrial research.

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You'll need to meet the  Faculty of Graduate Studies minimum requirements  as well as any program-specific admissions requirements before you can apply.

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At Dalhousie, we want our students to focus on their studies, rather than worry about their personal finances. We offer competitive tuition rates and funding programs to support graduate students in almost all of our degree programs.

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Thesis : Your thesis work will focus on tackling problems in biology, molecular biology and health-science related fields through significant research contributions in mathematics, statistics and computer science.

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16 months or longer

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Students are provided the option to focus on one of two research areas:

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"In my PhD research, every stage was a challenge. I found myself doing something I had never done before, and I love that feeling."

Daniela Campanella PhD ’15 Guillermo Orti Lab

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PhD candidates in biology generally receive five years of funding, and one additional year may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Students receiving funding must select a research advisor or co-advisor from within the Department of Biological Sciences.

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Coursework is designed to prepare students for general examinations in three or more fields relevant to an area of interest. Following exams, students undertake dissertation research under the guidance of a dissertation director. The final examination is an oral defense of the dissertation.

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• Year 1: Meet with the biology director of graduate studies regarding any transfer credits; meet with chosen research advisor and General Examination Committee to execute a Program of Study; begin researching dissertation topics; identify possible members of the Dissertation Research Committee
• Year 2: Complete course work and take general examination within the following semester; pass general examination and advance to candidacy; write dissertation proposal and deliver accompanying oral presentation to committee
• Years 3–5: Register for BISC 8999 each semester; arrange periodic progress meetings with Dissertation Research Committee; complete dissertation; complete dissertation defense; submit final dissertation electronically to Gelman Library

Course Requirements

A completed Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences degree requires 72 course credits, including 12–24 credits of dissertation research. A previously completed Master of Science degree serves as the equivalent of 24 credit hours (i.e., students with an MS need to register for 48 hours to complete the PhD course requirements).

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 72 credits, including one-3-credit required course and 6 to 27 credits in thesis research. To advance to candidacy, successful completion of at least 45 credits of approved graduate-level coursework and completion of a general examination, comprising both written and oral examinations, are required. Students entering the program with a master's degree may be allowed to transfer up to 30 credits of graduate-level coursework into the program.

 Students can choose to focus on one of two research areas: Cellular and molecular biology, or systemics, evolution, and ecology. Coursework is designed to prepare each student for a general examination in three specific fields of study relevant to their chosen research area. These fields of study are determined in consultation with an advisory committee appointed for the candidate.

Following the field examinations, students undertake dissertation research under the guidance of a dissertation director. The final examination is an oral defense of the dissertation.

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Fang Chen Ph.D.

Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203

940-565-4598

[email protected]

Education: 

Research: 

Publications: 

• Shen H, Poovaiah CR, Ziebell A, Tschaplinski TJ, Pattathil S, Gjersing E, Engle NL, Katahira R, Pu Y, Sykes R,   Chen F , Ragauskas AJ, Mielenz JR, Hahn MG, Davis M, Stewart CN Jr, and Dixon RA. (2013). Enhanced characteristics of genetically modified switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) for high biofuel production. Biotechnol Biofuels. 6(1):71. doi: 10.1186/1754-6834-6-71.
• Chen F , Tobamitsu Y, Jackson L, Ralph J and Dixon RA. (2012). Novel seed coat lignins in the Cactaceae: structure, distribution and implications for the evolution of lignin diversity. Plant J. doi: 10.1111/tpj.12012.
• Chen F* , Tobimatsu Y*, Havkin-Frenkel D, Dixon RA and Ralph J (2012). (*first co-authors) A polymer of caffeyl alcohol in plant seeds. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA. 109:1772-1777.
• Shen H, He XZ, Poovaiah CR, Wuddineh WA, Ma J, Mann DGJ, Wang H, Jackson L, Tang Y, Neal Stewart Jr C,   Chen F   and Dixon RA. (2012). Functional characterization of the switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) R2R3-MYB transcription factor PvMYB4 for improvement of lignocellulosic feedstocks. New Phytologist 193:121-136.
• Wang H, Zhao Q,   Chen F , Wang M and Dixon RA. (2011). NAC domain function and transcriptional control of a secondary cell wall master switch. Plant J. 68:1104-1114.
• Lee Y,   Chen F , Gallego-Giraldo L, Dixon RA and Voit EO. (2011). Integrative Analysis of Transgenic Alfalfa ( Medicago sativa   L.) Suggests New Metabolic Control Mechanisms for Monolignol Biosynthesis. PLoS Comput Biol 7(5): e1002047. doi:10.1371/journal.pcbi.1002047.
• Fu C, Xiao X, Xi Y, Ge Y,   Chen F , Bouton J, Dixon RA and Wang Z. (2011). Downregulation of Cinnamyl Alcohol Dehydrogenase (CAD) Leads to Improved Saccharification Efficiency in Switchgrass. Bioenerg. Res. 4:153-164.
• Dien B, Miller D, Hector RE, Dixon RA,   Chen F , McCaslin M, Reisen P, Sarath G and Cotta MA. (2011). Enhancing alfalfa conversion efficiencies for sugar recovery and ethanol production by altering lignin composition. Bioresource Technology 102: 6479-6486.
• Fu C, Mielenz JR, Xiao X, Ge Y, Hamilton CY, Rodriguez M Jr,   Chen F , Foston M, Ragauskas A, Bouton J, Dixon RA and Wang ZY. (2011). Genetic manipulation of lignin reduces recalcitrance and improves ethanol production from switchgrass. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 108:3803-8.
• Zhou R, Jackson L, Shadle G, Nakashima J, Temple S,   Chen F   and Dixon RA. (2010). Distinct cinnamoyl CoA reductases involved in parallel routes to lignin in Medicago truncatula. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA. 107(41):17803-17808.
• Yang J,   Chen F , Yu O and Beachy RN. (2010). Controlled silencing of 4-coumarate:CoA ligase alters lignocellulose composition without affecting stem growth. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 49:103-109.
• Wang H, Avci U, Nakashima J, Hahn MG,   Chen F   and Dixon RA. (2010). Mutation of WRKY transcription factors initiates pith secondary wall formation and increases stem biomass in dicotyledonous plants. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 107:22338-43.
• Ziebell A, Gracom K, Katahira R,   Chen F , Pu Y, Ragauskas A, Dixon RA and Davis M. (2010). Increase in 4-coumaryl alcohol units during lignification in alfalfa (Medicago sativa) alters the extractability and molecular weight of lignin. J Biol Chem. 285:38961-8.
• Zhao Q, Wang H, Yin Y, Xu Y,   Chen F   and Dixon RA. (2010). Syringyl lignin biosynthesis is directly regulated by a secondary cell wall master switch. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 107:14496-501.
• Zhao Q, Gallego-Giraldo L, Wang H, Zeng Y, Ding SY,   Chen F   and Dixon RA. (2010). An NAC transcription factor orchestrates multiple features of cell wall development in Medicago truncatula. Plant J. 63:100-14.
• Zeng Y, Saar BG, Friedrich MG,   Chen F , Liu Y, Dixon RA, Himmel ME, Xie XS and Ding S. (2010). Imaging Lignin-Downregulated Alfalfa Using Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering Microscopy Bioenerg. Res. 3:272-277.
• Shen H, Yin Y,   Chen F , Xu Y and Dixon RA. (2010). A Bioinformatic Analysis of NAC Genes for Plant Cell Wall Development in Relation to Lignocellulosic Bioenergy Production. Bioenerg. Res. 2:217-232.
• Lei Z,   Chen F , Watson BS, Nagaraj S, Elmer AM, Dixon RA and Sumner LW. (2010). Comparative proteomics of yeast-elicited Medicago truncatula cell suspensions reveal induction of isoflavonoid biosynthesis and cell wall modifications. Journal of Proteome Research 9:6220-31.
• Shen H, Fu C, Xiao X, Ray T, Tang Y, Wang Z and   Chen F.   (2009). Developmental Control of Lignification in Stems of Lowland Switchgrass Variety Alamo and the Effects on Saccharification Efficiency. Bioenerg. Res. 2:233-245.
• Pu Y,   Chen F , Ziebell A, Davison BD and Ragauskas A. (2009). NMR Characterization of C3H and HCT Down-Regulated Alfalfa Lignin. BioEnergy Res. 2:198-208.
• Jackson LA, Shadle GL, Zhou R, Nakashima J,   Chen F   and Dixon RA. (2008). Improving saccharification efficiency of alfalfa stems through modification of the terminal stages of monolignol biosynthesis. Bioenerg. Res. 1:180-192.
• Nakashima J,   Chen F , Jackson L, Shadle G and Dixon RA. (2008). Multi-site genetic modification of monolignol biosynthesis in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.): effects on lignin composition in specific cell types. New Phytologist 179:738-750.
• Xu P,   Chen F , Mannas JP, Feldman T, Sumner LW and Roossinck MJ. (2008). Virus infection improves drought tolerance. New Phytologist 180:911-921.
• Marks MD, Betancur L, Gilding E,   Chen F , Bauer S, Wenger JP, Dixon RA and Haigler CH. (2008). A new method for isolating large quantities of Arabidopsis trichomes for transcriptome, cell wall and other types of analyses. Plant J. 56:483-492.
• Chen F   and Dixon RA. (2007). Lignin modification improves fermentable sugar yields for biofuel production. Nature Biotechnology 25:759-761.
• Shadle G,   Chen F,   Reddy MSS, Jackson L, Nakashima J and Dixon RA. (2007). Down-regulation of hydroxycinnamoyl CoA:Shikimate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase in transgenic alfalfa affects lignification, development and forage quality. Phytochemistry 68:1521-1529.
• Ralph J, Akiyama T, Kim H, Lu F, Schatz PF, Marita JM, Ralph SA, Reddy MSS,   Chen F   and Dixon RA. (2006). Effects of coumarate 3-hydroxylase down-regulation on lignin structure. J Biol Chem. 281:8843-53.
• Chen F , Reddy MSS, Jackson L, Shadle G and Dixon RA. (2005). Systematic down-regulation of lignin pathway enzymes reveals novel controls for the biosynthesis of G lignin and wall-bound ferulic acid in the forage legume alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Plant Journal 48:113-24.
• Reddy MSS*,   Chen F *, Shadle G, Jackson L, Aljoe H and Dixon RA. (2005). (*first co-authors) Targeted down-regulation of cytochrome P450 enzymes demonstrates the lignin/forage digestibility relationship in alfalfa ( Medicago sativa ). PNAS 102:16573-8.
• Tsuji Y,   Chen F , Yasuda S and Fukushima K. (2005). Unexpected behavior of coniferin in lignin biosynthesis of Ginkgo biloba L. Planta. 221:1432-2048.
• Chen F , Duran A, Blount JW, Sumner LW and Dixon RA. (2003). Profiling phenolic metabolites in transgenic alfalfa modified in lignin biosynthesis Phytochemistry 64:1013-21.
• Elmer A, Broeckling C,   Chen F , Dixon RA, Donnelly B, Duran A, Huhman D, Lei Z, Watson BS and Sumner LW. (2004). Potential of Integrated Functional Genomics in Biosafety Assessment. Genomics and Biosafety of Plants, ed. Jan-Peter Nap, NATO Science Series, IOS Press; ISBN: 1 58603 432 4.
• Chen L, Auh C, Dowling P, Bell J,   Chen F , Hopkins A, Dixon RA and Wang ZY. (2003). Improved forage digestibility of tall fescue (festuca arundinacea) by transgenic down regulation of cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase. Plant Biotechnology 1:437-449.
• Marita JM, Ralph JR, Hatfield RD, Guo D,   Chen F   and Dixon RA. (2003). Strucutral and compositional modifications in lignin of transgenic alfalfa down-regulated in caffeic acid 3- O -methyltransferase and caffeoyl CoA 3- O -methyltransferase. Phytochemistry 62:53-65.
• Shadle G, Wesley SV, Korth KL,   Chen F , Lamb C and Dixon RA. (2002). Over-expression of L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase enhances plant resistance to fungal and bacterial pathogens. Phytochemistry 64:153-61.
• Guo D,   Chen F   and Dixon RA. (2002). Monolignol biosynthesis in microsomal preparations from lignifying stem of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Phytochemistry 61:657-67.
• Chen L, Auh C,   Chen F , Cheng X, Aljoe H, Dixon RA and Wang ZY. (2002). Lignin deposition and associated changes in anatomy enzyme activity, gene expression, and ruminal degradability in stems of tall fescue at different developmental stages. J. Agric. Food chemistry 50:5558-5565.
• Chen F , Parvathi K and Dixon RA. (2001). Syntheses of caffeyl aldehyde and 5-OH coniferyl aldehyde and the substrate preference of alfalfa COMT. Phytochemistry 58:1035-1042.
• Parvathi K * ,   Chen F* , Guo D, Blount JW and Dixon RA. (2001).   (*first co-authors)   Substrate preferences of lignin   O -methyltransferase in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) suggest novel pathway to guaiacyl and syringyl units. Plant J. 25:193-202.
• Guo D,   Chen F , Inoue K, Blount JW and Dixon RA. (2001). Down-regulation of caffeic acid 3- O -methyltransferase and caffeoyl CoA 3- O -methyltransferase in transgenic alfalfa ( Medicago sative   L.): Impacts on lignin structure and evidence for independent pathways for the biosynthesis of G and S lignin. Plant Cell 13:73-88.
• Guo D,   Chen F , Wheeler J, Winder J, Selman S, Peterson M and Dixon RA. (2001). Improvement of in-rumen digestibility of alfalfa forage by genetic manipulation of lignin   O -methyltransferases. Transgenic Research 10:457-464.
• Dixon RA,   Chen F , Guo D and Parvathi K. (2001). The biosynthesis of monolignols: A "metabolic grid" or independent pathway to guaiacyl and syringyl units? Phytochemistry 57:1069-1084.
• Dixon RA,   Chen F , He XZ, Noel JP and Zubieta C. (2001). Properties and metabolic engineering of phenylpropanoid pathway O-methyltrasferases in alfalfa. Recent Advance in Phytochemistry 35:131-151.
• Matsui N,   Chen F , Yasuda S and Fukushima K. (2000). Conversion of guaiacyl to syringyl moieties on the cinnamyl alcohol pathway during the biosynthesis of lignin in angiosperms. Planta 210:831-835.
• Chen F , Seiichi S and Fukushima K. (1999). Evidence for a novel biosynthetic pathway that regulates the ratio of syringyl to guaiacyl residues in the differentiation xylem of   Magnolia Kobus   DC. Planta 207:597-603.
• Chen F , Yasuda S, and Fukushima K. (1999). Structural conversion of lignin subunit at the cinnamyl alcohol stage in   Eucalyptus Camaldulensis . J. Wood Science 45:487-491.
• Chen F   and Chen JX. (1996). Characterization of protolignin in eucalyptus CMP. J. Cellulose Science and Technology 4(2):56-62.
• Chen F   and Chen JX. (1996). The pulping properties of eucalyptus grown in China. Guangdong Pulp and Paper 1996(3):89-94.
• Chen F   and Chen JX. (1995). The pretreatment stage of eucalyptus CMP. Transaction of China Pulp and Paper 10(1): 8-12.
• Chen F   and Chen JX. (1995). FTIR study of eucalyptus CMP. J. of South China University 23(10): 89-95.
• Chen F   and Chen JX. (1994). FTIR study of lignin from eucalyptus. J Cellulose Science and Technology. 2(2): 14-20.
• Chen F , Huang WL, Wang LH, Yu JL and Chen JX. (1991). Study on the mechanisms and topochemistries of delignification during wheat straw Soda-AQ continuous pulping. Cellulose Chemistry and Technology 25: 383-390.

Patents: 

1. A novel lignin polymer for biofuel, carbon fiber, bioplastic and other chemicals, 2011, pending

DOE - Development of crucial tools for lignin research -   John Ralph/Fang Chen 09/ 2011-09/2014 , ( co-PI ), Develop a set of monoclonal antibodies to specific structures in lignins: for structural and localization studies; Develop a robust and flexible system for producing polymer-supported lignin monomers and oligolignols: for antibody screening, reactivity determination, elucidation of cross-coupling propensities, and beyond; Develop fluorescent-tagged monolignols: to aid in lignin localization studies and to help elucidate monolignol transport mechanisms.

DOE BioEnergy Science Center (BESC) - Lignin modification in switchgrass -   award period:   10/2012-10/2017   ( PI ) Identify novel lignin pathway and genes that may prove effective for manipulation of lignocellulosic traits to facilitate biofuel and biobased chemical production in bioenergy crops.

USDA-DOE   -   Development of low-lignin switchgrass for improved ethanol production   - award $670,166; period   11/05-11/08 , ( co-PI ) - This project seeks to produce low-lignin switchgrass by transgenic down-regulation of the key lignin biosynthetic enzymes. It also seeks to reduce the cross-linking of polysaccharides with lignin in switchgrass through the down-regulation genes in order to modify ferulate and lignin biosynthesis. The transgenic materials that are developed will be tested for their conversion efficiency to ethanol in comparison to untransformed controls. Those transgenic lines identified as increasing the efficiency of ethanol production will then be incorporated into a grass breeding program for the development of elite switchgrass cultivars.

DOE-USDA - Systematic modification of monolignol pathway gene expression for improved lignocellulose utilization, Genetic dissection of the lignocellulosic pathway of grasses   - award $775,000; period   09/06-09/09 , ( co-PI ) - The objectives of this proposal are 1) to determine which features of the lignocellulosic material (lignin content, lignin composition or other factors) are most detrimental to the fermentation of biomass to ethanol and 2) to develop the crop plant alfalfa (Medicago sativa) as a model system for genomic studies on biomass utilization.

DOE BioEnergy Science Center (BESC)   -   Lignin modification in switchgrass -   award period:   12/2007-12/2012   ( PI ) - Establish a genomic knowledge base for the biosynthetic, transporter and transcription factor genes involved in lignin formation (through tasks described elsewhere) and identify those genes that may prove effective for manipulation of lignocellulosic traits to facilitate ethanol production in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum).

Oklahoma Bioenergy Center (OBC)   -   Increasing lignin content for production of biomass better suited to gasification - award $164,350; award period:   01/2008-12/2011   ( PI ) - The specific objectives of this project are to explore the effects of up-regulation of lignin biosynthesis on cell wall components, carbon flux into the lignin pathway and the potential impact on biomass quality and carbon sequestration.

Oklahoma Bioenergy Center (OBC)   -   Improving the performance of transgenic plants with improved efficiency for bioethanol processing   - award $517,050; award period:   01/2008-12/2012   ( co-PI ) - The overall objectives of this work are to determine the exact molecular mechanisms that account for altered growth and morphology in transgenic model and dedicated bioenergy crops (alfalfa and switchgrass, representing a dicot and a monocot), in order to provide strategies for maximizing the usefulness of the clear improvements in processing ability observed with lignin down-regulation.

UCL Faculty of Life Sciences

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• Innovation and enterprise

First Wellcome Optical Biology PhD Student Retreat in Lisbon

19 August 2024

16-19 June 2024

University college london - instituto gulbenkian de ciência - champalimaud centre for the unknown.

Our Wellcome Optical Biology PhD student Retreat kicked off with a keynote speech from Prof. Rita Fior, who discussed current progress in using "Zebrafish Avatars for Personalized Medicine" which aims to bring bench-side cancer drug screening results to cancer patients in a mere 10 days. Prof. Michael Orger gave an intriguing talk on "Imaging Structure and Function in the Larval Zebrafish Brain" focusing on in-house imaging setup across multiple scales, leveraging the optical accessibility of zebrafish. Prof. Ricardo Henriques focused on cutting-edge super-resolution microscopy and shared with us recent efforts to develop tools for microscopy imaging which ended with an amazing roundtable discussion on the “randomness” and reproducibility of data produced with deep learning-based methods.

Followed by the keynote talks, the group leaders of imaging facilities talked to us about the imaging setups available on campus, how their staff is uniquely positioned to help researchers both within Portrugal and through collaboration as part of the “EuroImaging” Group. We also had tours of imaging centres and the campuses led by local students. All keynote speakers from both institutes joined us for the roundtable sessions, coffee breaks, and lunches, meaning that most of us were able to interact and connect with the speakers directly to talk about research and their career in science.

On the afternoons of the Retreat, we had amazing poster sessions in the tropical gardens of Champalimaud surrounded by greenery and student “blitz talks” in IGC. Both posters and student talks covered a huge range of topics from population genetics and mechanochemical signaling of wound healing, from retinal development to acousto-optic lens based imaging system. All of us appreciated the chance to practice our presentation skills in a friendly environment and discuss our research with other students alike.

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