Master thesis in synthetic protein biochemistry in Vienna

FWF; Wien; On-site; EUR 25,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Job summary

BOKU University in Vienna, through the Synthetic Biology Research Group led by Birgit Wiltschi, invites applications for a master thesis project on orthogonal translation systems for non-canonical amino acids in Pichia pastoris.

The project involves designing and testing orthogonal translation systems, transforming Pichia pastoris, and evaluating incorporation efficiency using spectroscopy and gel methods. Flexible working hours and a collaborative research environment are offered.

Qualifications

• Strong background in microbiological techniques, molecular biology and protein biochemistry.
• Lab experience beyond coursework is a plus but not required.
• Interest in expansion of the genetic code with non-canonical amino acids.

Responsibilities

• Design and clone expression constructs for orthogonal translation systems
• Transform Pichia pastoris with these constructs and screen the generated strains
• Analyze the genomic integration and expression of the orthogonal translation system
• Analyze the incorporation efficiency by fluorescence spectroscopy, SDS-PAGE and Western blot
• Present your research and results at regular project meetings

Skills

Microbiology techniques

Molecular biology

Protein biochemistry

Genetic code expansion

Oral and written presentation

Job description

Master thesis: Orthogonal translation systems for non-canonical amino acids incorporation in Pichia pastoris

That's the project

Genetic code expansion allows the incorporation of non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs) into defined positions of proteins. This requires an orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase and tRNA pair that does not cross-react with the host's own translational machinery. In Pichia pastoris, only a handful of such pairs have been successfully established. Since P. pastoris is an important host for industrial recombinant protein production, we aim to establish new and improved orthogonal systems to fully implement genetic code expansion in this host. In this project, you will select, clone and test novel orthogonal pairs against our already established benchmark system and identify promising candidates based on their incorporation efficiency, orthogonality and ncAA specificity.

That will be your task

• Design and clone expression constructs for orthogonal translation systems
• Transform Pichia pastoris with these constructs and screen the generated strains
• Analyze the genomic integration and expression of the orthogonal translation system
• Analyze the incorporation efficiency by fluorescence spectroscopy, SDS-PAGE and Western blot
• Present your research and results at regular project meetings

That could be your future

Join our team at a reputable, nationally and internationally well-connected research centre at the forefront of biotechnological innovation. You will be integrated into the academic environment of the Synthetic Biology Research Group led by Birgit Wiltschi at BOKU University in Vienna, working alongside an independent research group eager to exploit emerging technologies for innovative biotechnological applications. You will be part of a challenging and helpful work environment full of team spirit and enthusiasm for your job. You expand your expertise and bridge your science to industry. We offer you as part of our modern corporate culture fully flexible working hours. And not to forget: You make your research visible and broaden your network!

That's important to us

The ideal candidate has very good background knowledge and hands-on experience with standard microbiological techniques, molecular biology and protein biochemistry. Lab experience beyond university classes is a plus but not required. Interest in expansion of the standard genetic code with non-canonical amino acids is essential. We expect you to be enthusiastic to reach ambitious goals, to learn new techniques and to present your results in oral and written form.

That's what you should know

• You will receive a salary of EUR 551,10 based on 10 hours/week.
• Scheduled duration: max. 6 months
• Earliest start: 15th of November 2026

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Application deadline: 31th of October 2026

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, taking into account the requirements of the role. It is particularly important to us that our job offers appeal to all people, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, origin, age, nationality, or religion.