UNC Greensboro’s Ph.D. in Nanoscience with a concentration in Synthetic Biology prepares doctoral students to investigate, design, and modify biological systems using approaches from molecular biology, biochemistry, nanoscience, materials science, and biotechnology. Offered through the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (JSNN), the concentration combines the interdisciplinary foundations of nanoscience with focused study in areas such as systems and synthetic biology, physical biology, molecular biology, nanomedicine, immunology, stem cell biology, biomaterials, and nanomechanics.
Students conduct original doctoral research while developing the experimental, analytical, and communication skills needed to address complex biological questions and contribute new knowledge at the intersection of biology, nanoscience, and emerging biotechnology.
Why Choose UNCG for Your PHD in Synthetic Biology
Synthetic biology brings together biology, chemistry, engineering, computation, and materials science to understand and redesign biological systems. At JSNN, doctoral students study these questions within an interdisciplinary nanoscience and nanoengineering research environment.
JSNN identifies Synthetic Biology as one of its core research concentrations, combining molecular biology, biochemistry, and nanoscience to design new biological entities or modify existing biological systems for useful applications and technologies.
The Synthetic Biology concentration allows Ph.D. students to develop deeper expertise in biological and biomedical areas while remaining grounded in the broader analytical, computational, physical, and chemical foundations of nanoscience.
“I was relieved to have her by my side. It felt like home again. We have been close to each other always, so going to the same graduate school has been a blessing for us.”
–Dr. Tanjina Islam ’24, Ph.D. in Nanoscience, Synthetic Biology
Synthetic Biology Ph.D. Curriculum
Students in the Synthetic Biology concentration complete focused graduate coursework as part of the broader Nanoscience Ph.D. curriculum.
Concentration coursework may include:
- Systems and synthetic biology
- Physical biology
- Nanomaterials chemistry
- Nanomedicine
- Molecular biology in nanoscience
- Stem cell biology and ethics
- Immunology
- Biomimetics and biomaterials
- Nanomechanics
These courses allow students to investigate biological systems from molecular, cellular, physical, and materials-based perspectives.
The concentration coursework complements the broader Nanoscience Ph.D. curriculum, which includes physical, chemical, biological, analytical, statistical, and computational foundations; laboratory protocols; scientific communication; research integrity; doctoral research; and dissertation work.
Career Outcomes and Opportunities
The Synthetic Biology concentration prepares graduates for research-intensive careers involving biological systems, biotechnology, nanoscience, and emerging biomedical technologies. Potential career paths include:
- Synthetic biology researcher
- Molecular biology scientist
- Biotechnology research scientist
- Biomedical research scientist
- Drug discovery scientist
- Gene and cell therapy researcher
- Nanomedicine researcher
- Biomaterials scientist
- Biosensor or diagnostics researcher
- Government laboratory researcher
- Research and development scientist
- University researcher or faculty member
Graduates may pursue opportunities in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, biomedical research, healthcare technology, government laboratories, academic research, and other organizations developing or applying advanced biological technologies.
Program Details
Degree Type: Doctoral
College/School: Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering
Program Type: Majors & Concentrations
Class Type: In Person
Catalog Name: Nanoscience, Ph.D. Synthetic Biology Concentration