Master Thesis 

Unraveling the Process Proteome of NIST mAb Production in CHO Cells Using HighSensitivity Proteomics 

Where? 

BOKU University

When? 

Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria

How long? 

Any time 6 months 

Our research group 

Our group works at the interface of bioprocess engineering, downstream processing, and advanced protein analytics. We are particularly interested in understanding how biological production processes shape product quality, process performance, and host cell protein profiles in the manufacture of complex biopharmaceuticals. 

Your research topic 

Monoclonal antibodies are among the most important therapeutic proteins produced in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells. However, even well-established CHO processes contain a complex mixture of host cell proteins and process-related impurities that can affect downstream processing and product quality. In this Master thesis, you will investigate the process proteome of a NIST mAb CHO production process using novel high-sensitivity proteomics workflows. The project will combine hands-on wet lab work in downstream processing with mass spectrometry-based analysis and data evaluation. The aim is to better understand how process conditions and purification steps influence the protein impurity profile throughout the bioprocess. The thesis is carried out in collaboration with the University of Adelaide, and a research visit to Adelaide may be possible as part of the project. 

What you will get 

• Hands-on experience in downstream processing of monoclonal antibodies 
• Training in sample preparation workflows for high-sensitivity proteomics 
• Insight into mass spectrometry-based bioprocess analytics 
• Experience in data evaluation and interpretation of complex proteomics datasets 
• Opportunity to work in an international collaboration with the University of Adelaide 
• Possibility of a research visit abroad 

What you bring 

• Motivation, curiosity, and willingness to lear n 
• Interest in bioprocess engineering, protein purification, and analytical biotechnology 
• Careful and reliable wet lab working style 
• Basic understanding of proteins, chromatography, or mass spectrometry is helpful 
• Previous practical experience in protein purification or data analysis is an advantage, but not required 

Interested? 

Send us a short CV and a few sentences about your motivation. Contact: Nico Lingg – nico.lingg@boku.ac.at