The PhD

The PhD Program in Biomolecular Sciences is an advanced training program designed to prepare highly qualified researchers capable of working in the most cutting-edge fields of the life sciences through a strongly interdisciplinary approach.

The program aims to provide doctoral students with solid theoretical and experimental skills in the study of biomolecules, their structures, properties, and biological functions, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying physiological and pathological processes. Particular attention is given to mastering the most innovative methodologies in the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, the chemistry of biological systems, genetics, biotechnology, cell biology, bioinformatics, and omics technologies, fostering the integration of knowledge from complementary disciplines.

Research activities span numerous areas of high scientific and applied interest, ranging from the characterization of biomolecules and natural products to the study of the molecular basis of human diseases, from the development of advanced biomaterials and drug delivery systems to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, and on to next-generation biotechnological, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications.

Teaching and research activities are primarily conducted at the Department of Environmental, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies and the Department of Precision Medicine at the University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,” making use of state-of-the-art laboratories and research infrastructure.

The Ph.D. program is also characterized by a well-established network of scientific collaborations with research institutions, including numerous institutes of the National Research Council (CNR), such as the “A. Buzzati-Traverso” Institute of Genetics and Biophysics (IGB), the Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), the Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), the Institute of Crystallography (IC), the Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR), the Institute for Polymers, Composites, and Biomaterials (IPCB), and the “G. Salvatore” Institute of Endotypes in Oncology, Metabolism, and Immunology (IEOMI), as well as with centers of excellence such as TIGEM and CEINGE – Advanced Biotechnology. These collaborations enable doctoral students to work in highly qualified research environments and to develop scientific and technological skills in line with the most modern challenges in biomolecular research and human health.

Learning objectives

The Ph.D. Program in Biomolecular Sciences pursues the following main objectives:

• to offer a program of advanced training and research to young graduates, fostering the acquisition of theoretical, experimental, and methodological skills in the fields of biomolecular and bioactive molecule chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology, and precision medicine;
• to train independent and highly qualified researchers capable of working and competing in national and international academic, scientific, and industrial contexts;
• to promote basic and applied research on the structure, function, reactivity, and interactions of biomolecules, as well as on the chemical and biological processes that regulate living systems;
• contribute to the development of innovative strategies for human health and biotechnology through studies ranging from the chemistry of natural products and biomaterials to cellular and molecular biology, pharmacology, and omics technologies;
• foster an interdisciplinary approach to research by integrating expertise in chemistry, biology, biotechnology, and medicine to address the scientific and technological challenges of the life sciences.

Career opportunities

The PhD Program in Biomolecular Sciences at the University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli” provides a highly specialized education that opens the door to numerous career opportunities in the fields of research, innovation, and technological development. The program’s interdisciplinary approach and the skills acquired in chemistry, biology, biotechnology, and precision medicine enable PhD graduates to work with high qualifications in both national and international contexts.

The Ph.D. in Biomolecular Sciences qualifies graduates to pursue academic and scientific careers at universities and public and private research institutions, both as researchers and within postdoctoral programs, as well as to secure research and development positions in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical, food, and biomedical companies.

Additional professional opportunities exist in the fields of molecular diagnostics, biomedical technologies, biomaterials, regenerative medicine, and precision medicine, as well as in technology transfer, scientific consulting, and research and innovation management at public institutions, government agencies, international organizations, and research-intensive companies.

Self-assessment and guidance committee

In order to monitor the overall progress of the Doctoral Program’s activities, verify their alignment with educational objectives, and promote their continuous improvement in terms of effectiveness, efficiency, and quality—including with regard to career opportunities and the development of highly innovative professional pathways—the Coordinator appoints the Self-Assessment and Steering Committee from among the members of the Faculty Councils of the three active cycles.

The Committee is responsible for supporting the quality assurance process of the Doctoral Program, monitoring its educational and research activities, analyzing the results, and formulating proposals for improvement.

Currently, the Self-Assessment and Steering Committee of the Doctoral Program in Biomolecular Sciences is composed as follows:

Members of the Teaching Staff: 

• Prof. Paolo Vincenzo Pedone – Presidente
• Prof. Andrea Riccio – membro Collegio dei Docenti

Representative of the PhD students in the current programs

• Dott. Vincenzo Vendemia – rappresentante dottorandi (40° ciclo)

Representatives of the social partners most relevant to the doctoral program’s educational objectives

• Dott. Michele Saviano – Dirigente di Ricerca dell’IC-CNR
• Dott. Carlo Toniatti - Chief Scientific Officer, IRBM (Integrated Research in Biotechnology & Medicine) Science Park

Recent PhD graduate working in the research sector

• Dott.ssa. Sara Ragucci – RTDb Biochimica DiSTABiF

 International member

• Prof.ssa Francesca Telese – University of California San Diego

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)