The methylotrophic yeast P. pastoris is widely used as heterologous protein production platform. The production of recombinant proteins is frequently enhanced at the levels of transcription, protein folding, as well as process engineering which has brought substantial improvements in performance of this host.

Previous transcriptomics analysis of P. pastoris bioreactor cultivations indicate for nutrient limitations. The diploma/master thesis will focus on optimization of cultivation media to overcome these limitations in P. pastoris fed-batch cultivations. The work will be embedded within an industrial collaboration.

The work will include:

Design of experiments for media optimization and performance of:
- P. pastoris bioreactor cultivations in a parallel bioreactor DASGIP-System
- Qualitative and quantitative product analysis using SDS-PAGE/Western Blot/enzymatic assay/ELISA
- Transcriptional analysis of starvation marker genes using RTPCR
- Proof of concept, cultivating other engineered strains

We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious Master Student who is experienced in biotechnological fields.

Start: March/April 2015