Master thesis in synthetic protein biochemistry to screen novel Orthogonal translation systems for non-canonical amino acids incorporation in Pichia pastoris
in Vienna / Austria for 10 hours a week
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
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
And now it’s your turn! Give us an idea of who you are.
Apply via our application portal: short.acib.at/08-2026
Application deadline: 31th of October 2026