The PhD

The aim of the PhD programme in Biochemical and Biotechnological Sciences is to train researchers and new professionals who, regardless of their original background and through the expertise acquired during the PhD programme, are able to meet the needs of a rapidly changing, large-scale market characterised by a demand for biotechnological innovation and cross-disciplinary skills.

The aim is therefore to train professionals in whom a strong and up-to-date biomedical background is integrated and works in synergy with skills and experience across a variety of sectors, including industry, and whose methodological knowledge can be utilised to meet new and emerging needs in various technologically advanced fields.
The PhD programme in Biochemical and Biotechnological Sciences stems from the merger of the ‘Cellular Biochemistry’, ‘Microbiology’ and ‘Experimental Physiopathology and Neuroscience’ PhD programmes, which took place during the 29th cycle following Ministerial Decree 45/2013. The programme also brings together academic staff with high levels of expertise in the field of biotechnology and clear experience of its industrial applications.

Learning objectives

The aim of the PhD programme in Biochemical and Biotechnological Sciences is to train researchers of a high scientific calibre, with an excellent grounding in the fundamental disciplines and their application to the biomedical and biotechnological fields, who are capable of identifying and addressing cutting-edge issues in these fields and of conducting independent research in the sectors of biochemistry and biotechnology. The PhD programme is characterised by a distinctly and strongly interdisciplinary approach; therefore, PhD students must acquire both traditional and innovative methodologies in biochemistry and biotechnology, as well as bioinformatics and biocomputational techniques, and gain an understanding of integrated experimental approaches in biology, physiology, microbiology and pathology. They must also be able to use the latest techniques and equipment and develop analytical skills and the ability to critically interpret experimental data. Finally, the PhD student must be able to disseminate the scientific results obtained by preparing articles for high-impact-factor, peer-reviewed international journals, and presentations at national and, primarily, international conferences, and must have the ability to transfer the results and acquired know-how to the industrial sector. The aim is therefore to train interdisciplinary professionals capable of bridging the expertise of different fields. The international scope of the PhD programme also facilitates the award of the Doctor Europeus.
Depending on their chosen study programmes, PhD students will use the most advanced methodologies to study biological and biochemical processes in bacteria, cellular models and animals, at the molecular, cellular or integrated levels, and under normal and/or pathological conditions.

Career opportunities

The rapid and intense development of biochemistry, biotechnology and related disciplines is making it increasingly urgent to train professionals capable of assimilating the results of scientific research and applying them in the industrial sector. The training of highly specialised professionals meets not only the natural needs of university research, but above all the demands of a wider and rapidly expanding user base, such as Research and Development Managers in small and medium-sized enterprises.

Holders of a PhD in ‘Biochemical and Biotechnological Sciences’ will be able to find suitable professional roles in various industrial and service sectors across the country. In particular, organisations or high-tech industries based on biochemical and biotechnological research, university biology departments, research institutes of national and international significance, biotechnology, biomedical, pharmaceutical and agri-food industries, public health organisations, and industries working in the field of environmental conservation and restoration are all interested in such professionals. It should be noted that, with higher professional qualifications, graduates may also pursue a career as self-employed professionals. It is worth noting that, with a higher level of professional qualification, graduates may pursue a career as a self-employed professional. The PhD programme provides this type of training by involving PhD students in highly competitive research projects and through direct interaction with biotechnology companies.

Self-assessment and guidance committee

In order to monitor the progress of doctoral activities as a whole, assess the consistency of the activities carried out with the educational objectives, and improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of the doctoral training process, also in relation to its employment opportunities and the integration of highly innovative professional paths, The Coordinator identifies, from among the members of each Teachers' Council of the three active cycles, the members of the Self-Assessment Committee and the Steering Committee.

Currently, the Self-Assessment Commission and Steering Committee of the Doctorate in Translational Medicine is composed of:

PhD students' opinions

Every year, Vanvitelli University conducts a survey to gather feedback from PhD students at the end of each academic year, with the aim of gathering information on the various aspects of the research training program and the services and opportunities that accompany it.

• For the I and II year, access to the evaluation questionnaire is via the University’s institutional credentials, and complete anonymity of responses is guaranteed - Go to the teaching evaluation questionnaire

• For the III year, the end-of-course evaluation questionnaire is managed by Alma Laurea and can be accessed once the PhD student has registered, prior to the final examination - Go to the questionnaire

Results

• For the I and II year: PhD Student Opinions (SISVALDIDAT system)
• For the III year: PhD students’ opinions (AlmaLaurea)

In addition, the AlmaLaurea inter-university consortium compiles annual data on behalf of the University regarding PhD graduates’ academic trajectories and employment status after obtaining their degree.

• Employment status of PhD graduates (AlmaLaurea)