Catalox

    Description of the PhD Training Program

    The doc.fund program “CATalytic mechanisms and AppLications of OXidoreductases" (CATALOX) is an international and interdisciplinary training program for doctoral students of Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology at the Technical University of Graz and the University of Graz. The program is funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) together with the universities.

    The training programme is led by ten principal investigators with the aim of studying the molecular mechanisms of oxidoreductases. Oxidoreductases constitute the largest class of enzymes and are highly important biocatalysts for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. CATALOX provides a unique platform for the comprehensive study of oxidoreductases, allowing students to learn about fundamental and applied aspects of these enzymes. Focus of the proposed research projects is on enzymes that utilize NAD(P) coenzymes and heme or flavin cofactors in their reactions.

    The PhD projects are highly multidisciplinary between chemistry, biosciences and engineering. CATALOX connects the mechanistic understanding of enzymes on a molecular level with research on their synthetic application.

    Selected PhD students will be in the training program for 3-4 years. The program includes a close collaboration to the existing platform of the Austrian Centre for Industrial Biotechnology to discuss the utility of our scientific discoveries for applications.

    The doc.funds program also offers a broad selection of translational education opportunities and provides graduates with the best education to become leading experts in a knowledge-based society.


    Who can apply for the CATALOX PhD Positions?

    Students of all nationalities are encouraged to apply. The language of instruction is English and applicants are expected to be highly proficient in this language. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent degree) in biological sciences, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, biotechnology, or a related discipline including a written Master thesis. Enrollment at the TU Graz and the University of Graz requires that international students fulfill proven eligibility requirements for entering a PhD program that normally apply in the country where they completed their Masters education. Candidates will be selected on a competitive basis. We are seeking talented and ambitious young scientists who are interested in pursuing a research career. Candidates are selected without regard to sex, race or nationality.


    Important Dates:
    May 30, 2019 Extended Deadline of Applications
    June 12 -13, 2019 Final Interview (Hearing) on-site in Graz
    October 2019 Tentative starting date for new hires


    Application Instructions

    Applications are exclusively accepted via the online application platform. Applications must be prepared in English. There is no application fee.

    Applications should not be longer than 5 pages and include:

    1. Your CV
    2. A short description of your previous studies
    3. A letter describing your scientific interests, preferably in terms of the PhD projects offered by the doc.funds CATALOX
    4. Contact information of professionals who agree to submit references on their behalf (no free email service is accepted). We will contact your references directly for the recommendation letters.
    5. Any other information which you feel could improve your chance of acceptance.
    6. A transcript of your studies including grades (including a short legend explaining the grading scheme) should be included.


    Please do not send any documents by regular mail or e-mail to the the Principal Investigators directly. Applications with more than one file and longer than 5 pages (excluding the transcripts) will not be accepted. Name your file as follows: AP_2019_last name_M (initial of first name (for example: AP_2019_Oberer_M)


    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Can I apply to more than one project?
    Yes, if you are interested in the work of more than one supervisor you can mention your interest for both projects in your letter of interest.


    Can I apply if I have not yet finished my Master’s degree?
    Yes, provided it is clear that you will graduate within the next 3-6 months. The Master’s supervisor will have to confirm this in his/her letter of recommendation.

    You may contact us at catalox@tugraz.at, if you have any questions about the project.

    Principal Investigators

    Meet the supervisors of the Catalox Training Program!

    • Univ. -Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Robert Kourist

      Institute of Molecular Biotechnology - TU Graz

    • Univ.-Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Peter Macheroux

      Institute of Biochemistry - TU Graz

    • Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.techn. Bernd Nidetzky

      Institute of Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering - TU Graz

    • Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.techn. Wolfgang Kroutil

      Institute of Chemistry - Organic & Bioorganic Chemistry - University of Graz

    • Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr.rer.nat. Karl Gruber

      Institute of Molecular Biosciences - University of Graz

    • Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.rer.nat. Rolf Breinbauer

      Institute of Organic Chemistry - TU Graz

    • Assoc.Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.techn. Heidrun Gruber-Wölfler

      Institute of Process and Particle Engineering - TU Graz

    • Ao.Univ.-Prof. Mag.rer.nat. Dr.rer.nat. Anton Glieder

      Institute of Molecular Biotechnology - TU Graz

    • Mag. Dr.rer.nat. Silvia Glück

      Institute of Chemistry - Organic & Bioorganic Chemistry - University of Graz

    • Priv.-Doz. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.techn. Margit Winkler

      Institute of Molecular Biotechnology - TU Graz

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