Two researchers working in a UAlbany nanotechnology lab.

Doctor of Philosophy

Nanobioscience

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Drive Nanoscale Innovation in Health Care and Life Sciences

Immerse yourself in the principles, practices and research paradigms of nanobioscience to become part of a new hybrid generation of scientists capable of driving nanotechnology applications in medicine and life science.

In the PhD in Nanobioscience program at UAlbany, you’ll study core biological science and applied science principles merged with the foundational tenants and skill sets of nanoscale science and nanoscale engineering to develop the intellectual fluency and technical ability necessary for success in this field.

You’ll graduate primed for a pioneering, interdisciplinary career in high-tech industry, academia or government.

Additional Program Information

Graduate Bulletin  |  Course Catalog  |  Department Contact: J. Andres Melendez

Program of Study

programofstudy

The nanobioscience PhD program integrates the fundamental principles of physics, chemistry, computer science, biology, mathematics and engineering with the cross-cutting fields of nanosciences, nanoengineering and nanotechnology.

Through coursework and research, you’ll develop fundamental knowledge in the design and manipulation of nanomaterials and nanofabricated systems towards biological applications, including metals, semiconductors, polymers, and chemical and biological materials. This includes the integration, processing, testing and qualification of these materials in integrated micro- and nanosystems, sensors, and integrated optics.
 

Degree Requirements

You’ll complete either 36 or 60 credits to earn your PhD in Nanobioscience at UAlbany, depending whether you already hold an appropriate master’s or bachelor’s degree upon acceptance to the program.

All students enroll in a sequence of four foundational courses that provide the core competencies necessary for success in nanoscale engineering and science fields. You’ll earn the rest of your credits through relevant coursework, seminars, and PhD dissertation research.

After your first year in the program, you will embark on a preliminary program of study with your advisor to choose an area of concentration and coursework to satisfy it.

Additional Requirements

Preliminary Written Exam

This exam tests your ability to conceive and execute a research project in nanobioscience. You have two attempts to pass to maintain academic standing in the program.

Preliminary Oral Examination

Typically, within two semesters of passing the written exam, you must submit a written research proposal for your intended dissertation research followed by a formal preliminary oral exam relevant to the proposed work.

Dissertation

Submission and defense of a proposal that represents original research that contributes to knowledge in nanobioscience.

Publication

You must be the first author on at least two scientific publications that have already been accepted to peer-reviewed technical journals related to your area of concentration.

Research and Facilities

As a student in the nanobioscience PhD program at UAlbany, you’ll enjoy access to the Albany NanoTech Complex, the most advanced nanotech center in North America. Gain hands-on experience inside an unmatched 1.65M square foot facility that houses a powerful ecosystem for education, development, tech acceleration, business incubation and prototyping. 

Available internship and research opportunities, many of which happen in cooperation with Albany NanoTech’s numerous onsite corporate partners, including IBM, GlobalFoundries, Samsung, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, ASML and Lam Research, can lead to transformative career opportunities.

In the nanobioscience program, you’ll join faculty and students in collaborating on ground-breaking research driving nanotechnology applications in medicine and life science. Areas of research include:

  • Human stem cell-derived neurons and neural circuitry therapeutics that represent a new frontier in spinal cord injury repair.
  • Bio-hybrid devices that combine electronic and photonic components with cells, tissues and organs to advance understanding and treatment of a wide range of conditions and diseases.
  • Biosensors for detecting diseases and infections such as COVID-19 and Lyme disease.
  • Cellular circuit discovery for drug development. 
  • RNA-based therapeutic interventions to limit age-related disease. 
  • Bioprocess optimization for enhancing biologic output. 

 

 

 

Two researchers working in a UAlbany nanotechnology lab.
phd-nanobioscience-research
Career Outcomes

By earning a PhD in Nanobioscience you will be equipped for a wide range of careers at the convergence of medicine, life science and nanoscale science and engineering in areas such as industrial research and development, academic scholarship and research, or government research agencies.

Potential job titles for a nanobioscience PhD degree include:

  • University Professor
  • Research Scientist for drug delivery and nanotechnology
  • Bioengineer
  • Pharmaceutical Engineer
  • Gene Therapist
  • Scientific Writer 
  • Process Engineer 
  • Chief Scientific Officer 
  • Program Manager 

 

 

A student conducting research in a UAlbany nanotechnology lab.
career

International Students

This degree is designated as a STEM program. International students maintaining F-1 status are allowed to apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) following completion/graduation from their degree program. Currently, this degree program is also designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an eligible degree for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension; students who secure qualifying employment may be eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension for a cumulative total of up to 36 months of F-1 OPT work authorization.

Admissions Requirements
Deadlines

Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: February 1
Spring: October 1

Financial support for Masters students is dependent on availability of funding. 

No Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: February 1
Spring: October 1

Applications received after these dates will be reviewed on an individual basis.

Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three academic or professional letters of recommendation
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume
  • GRE General Test score is strongly recommended but not required. The department evaluates all aspects of the application, therefore a minimum score is not identified.

Available information for International Applicants.

admissions


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