Welcome at the Institute of Biochemistry
The Institute of Biochemistry at the Graz University of Technology focuses on basic research questions in the field of protein biochemistry and is tightly connected to local groups addressing questions in protein structural analyses, protein technologies and biocatalysis. The institutes mission is to understand biological processes at the molecular level using an integrative structure-function analysis approach. Currently, emphasis is put on three major research areas: mechanisms of enzyme function in biosynthetic pathways, computational protein design and allosteric regulation mechanisms in sensor-effector systems.
17.04.2025
We couldn't resist the trend – so we turned some of our team into action figures!
Warning: extreme levels of coolness, heroic poses, and questionable superpowers ahead.
Which one would you add to your collection?
Happy Easter from all of us at the Institute of Biochemistry!
03.04.2025
Here at the Institute of Biochemistry, we research proteins which are essential building blocks of live. They are not just an important supplement in your diet if you want to gain muscles but they also are important for a myriad of other body functions. For example, they enable you to sense light which lets your brain see this text and process it.
But how do specific proteins exactly work? This question is often answered in yearlong academic studies and countless experiments. However, with AI on the horizon, there are now novel methods available to get these answers faster.
In a recent study in our institute, a machine learning tool was tuned to make proteins "talk" about which parts of them are important for the jobs they do. This tool was used to research a bacterial light sensor, a cousin to the light sensors which are used by plants. The insights of this study might one day help us to understand better how plants, an important pillar of our diet, react to sun light. Read here the pre-print.
We congratulate Oliver Eder and Massimo Gregorio Totaro of the Group of Andreas Winkler and the Group of Gustav Oberdorfer for the successful completion of this highly collaborative project and wish good luck for the (potentially) upcoming revision.
02.04.2025
Join Our Team at the Institute of Biochemistry, TU Graz!
The Institute of Biochemistry at Graz University of Technology is seeking talented researchers to join our dynamic team. We are currently offering two positions:
University Project Assistant (with PhD) – Structural Biochemistry
We are looking for a highly motivated scientist with expertise in structural biochemistry to contribute to our cutting-edge research in protein structure and function.
University Project Assistant (without PhD) – Protein Biochemistry
This position is ideal for candidates with a strong background in protein biochemistry, eager to engage in experimental research and scientific discovery.
Here you can find more information.
Both positions offer the opportunity to work in a collaborative and innovative research environment, contributing to impactful scientific projects.
If you are passionate about biochemistry, protein research, and structural biology, we encourage you to apply!
For more details and application information, please visit our Job Portal.
27.03.2025
25.03.2025
Meet our visiting researcher, Allon Hochbaum! Since summer 2024, he has been part of the Protein Design group at the Institute for Biochemistry at TU Graz.
Allon’s home lab at University of California, Irvine, focuses on electronic conductivity in natural and synthetic protein wires, as well as technologies to measure microbial metabolism for health, bio-energy, and environmental applications. Here in Graz, he is applying computational approaches to design synthetic versions of these conductive microbial protein wires.
Allon and his family have embraced life in Graz, enjoying both the scientific environment at IBC and the opportunity to explore Austria and its neighboring countries.
We’re thrilled to have him on board!
18.03.2025
Markus Braun is one of our University Project Assistant in the Research Group Protein Design/AG Oberdorfer.
Markus is currently in the U.S. for a research stay at Stanford's Department of Biochemistry, supported by a Marshall Plan Scholarship. His project focuses on uncovering the geometric and energetic principles behind the catalytic mechanisms of natural enzymes. The insights gained will help develop novel, tailor-made enzymes for industrial applications.
Markus will remain in the U.S. until summer 2025 before returning to the Institute of Biochemistry at TU Graz to complete his PhD. We wish him a fantastic and inspiring time abroad and know he will gain many valuable experiences along the way!
13.03.2025
Congratulations!
FWF principal investigator project on red-light regulated phosphatases awarded to Andreas Winkler, our Associate Professor and deputy head of the Institut of Biochemistry.
You can find more information here: FWF-Project
New opportunities for MSc, PhD and Post-Doc candidates - if interested, please contact Andreas Winkler (andreas.winkler@tugraz.at).
27.02.2025
We would like to congratulate Gabriela Shickle on fininshing her master’s thesis „Molecular Mechanisms of Signal Integration in blue light-regulated Diguanylate Cyclases“! Gabriela worked in the group of Andreas Winkler. She is pictured with Miriam Huber (left on the picture), also a master student at the Institute of Biochemistry.
Gabriela, we wish you all the best!
24.02.2025
Since September 1, 2023, Christoph Schaffer has been part of our team at the Institute of Biochemistry, where he is training to become a laboratory technician. With his dedication, curiosity, and enthusiasm, he is already a valuable addition to our team.
We are especially proud that the latest issue of „ZAK“, the magazin of Arbeitskammer Steiermark, features several apprentices from TU Graz, including „our“ Christoph.
We are excited to support Christoph on his journey and look forward to seeing him grow in his role!
Institute of Biochemistry Petersgasse 12/2, 8010 Graz
Phone: (+43) (0)316 873 6451
E-Mail: office.ibc@tugraz.at
