The structure and interaction of biological macromolecules lies at the heart of all biological processes. The aim of this PhD Program-plus is to provide the students with an in-depth, interdisciplinary training in solving biological problems by determining the structures and interactions of biological processes. The eight participating faculty members offer a wide spectrum of projects, ranging from the control of cell division to the post-translational modification of macromolecules, from the interaction of pathogens with their hosts to the analysis of proteins found in muscle cells and in cell membranes. Students will have access to almost all current methods in structural biology, including X-ray crystallography, NMR, cryo-EM and several biophysical techniques. Hands-on, in house training courses in these methods will permit the students at the end of their graduate studies to decide which technique to employ to solve a particular biological problem.

Students will enrol at either the Medical University of Vienna or the University of Vienna. The world-renown Vienna Biocenter will provide the DK-plus students with a stimulating scientific environment for their studies and the opportunity to learn about a wide range of different biological systems to which structural biology approaches can be applied. DK-plus graduate students will also interact with collegiates from the DK-plus programs “Cellular Signalling” and “RNA Biology” as well as from the Vienna Biocenter International PhD Program.

Vienna is a lively, modern European city with a high quality of life and outstanding cultural programs and sporting opportunities. Accommodation is affordable and both the health and transport systems are excellent. The location and scientific environment of the DK-plus guarantee a stimulating and challenging graduate study experience.

Research areas and interactions of the DK-plus faculty