The Master’s Degree in Pharmaceutical and Industrial Biotechnology aims to train professionals in the role of Pharmaceutical and Industrial Biotechnologists.
Role in a work context: Graduates in Pharmaceutical and Industrial Biotechnology possess advanced technological and experimental knowledge and skills enabling them to design, conduct, and manage research and development activities in biotechnologies applied to the healthcare sector, with particular focus on the design, characterization, production, analysis, and formulation of innovative and biotechnological drugs, vaccines, and diagnostic devices.
At the same time, they acquire broad and multidisciplinary expertise that allows them to work in research and development laboratories, supervising, validating, and optimizing biotechnological production processes such as fermentations and bioconversions. They act as responsible figures for the correct execution of production and analytical procedures and for quality control, also relying on economic, financial, legislative, and industrial production knowledge.
Furthermore, they are able to use biological systems and genetic engineering techniques for applications in various production sectors, including chemical, industrial, pharmaceutical, and environmental fields. They understand the chemical reactions and activities influencing vital processes, the genetic structures of living organisms, and the possibilities for modifying them. They apply and transfer this knowledge to the production of goods and services on both small and industrial scales.
In particular, the Pharmaceutical and Industrial Biotechnologist:
Designs and applies methodologies for basic and applied research aimed at developing new drugs and diagnostic devices.
Designs and develops biotechnological systems for the production of biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, antibodies, and other macromolecules of therapeutic or diagnostic interest.
Designs and develops bioanalytical systems, devices, and molecular nanostructures for analytical or technological purposes.
Designs, manages, and controls industrial processes for the production and quality control of biotechnological or innovative drugs.
Designs and organizes activities for the promotion and development of scientific and technological innovation.
This professional profile also includes a strong inclination toward research in the field of drug development and drug effects on eukaryotic systems, including stem cells, as well as bacteria and viruses. The outlined profile enables molecular and industrial biotechnologists to apply their knowledge of molecular biology, genetics, biomolecular structural studies, and microbiology in industrial chemistry, drug production, environmental remediation of contaminated sites, and the generation of energy from sustainable sources.
Pharmaceutical and Industrial Biotechnologists may work—also internationally and in high‑responsibility roles—in laboratories and industries with a strong biotechnological and pharmacological focus. They may also contribute, including at managerial and administrative levels, to development and monitoring programs for biotechnologies applied to healthcare, particularly regarding the development of pharmacological products and vaccines, taking into account technical and legal implications.
Graduates in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology meet the requirements for further advanced training (Second‑level Master’s programs, PhD programs, Specialization Schools).
Skills associated with the role: The knowledge and competencies required to perform the functions described above include:
In‑depth knowledge of the genetic and biochemical aspects of cells.
Advanced understanding of the structure and functions of biological macromolecules and related cellular processes.
Knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying pathological processes, including infectious ones.
Knowledge and ability to use specific technologies in areas such as molecular modelling, drug design, and the development of innovative pharmaceuticals.
Skills in major molecular and cellular methodologies for the design and production of biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, and diagnostics.
Competence in the analysis of biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, and diagnostics, particularly regarding chemical, biological, and pharmacological aspects.
Bioinformatic skills for organizing, constructing, and accessing databases—especially genomic and proteomic—and for acquiring and disseminating scientific and technological information.
Skills in basic and applied research in genetic, protein, and metabolic engineering, using recombinant DNA techniques for the production and development of molecules of biotechnological interest.
Knowledge of techniques and instrumentation for structural and functional analysis of biological macromolecules, and ability to use major biological databases to retrieve information needed for process development.
Skills in designing and coordinating activities for the promotion and development of scientific and technological innovation in fields related to biotechnological disciplines, including the coordination of research projects in molecular and industrial biotechnology.
Knowledge of techniques for genetic manipulation, monitoring, and detection of natural or genetically modified organisms using genetic/molecular methods and biosensors, along with risk‑management skills based on regulatory frameworks concerning biotechnology safety.
Knowledge of industrial enzyme applications, evaluation of industrial enzymatic formulations, and assessment of the suitability of immobilized biocatalysts to reduce production costs.
Molecular, biochemical, and technical skills for producing nanomaterials of biotechnological interest, and knowledge for developing microfluidics and lab‑on‑a‑chip applications.
These competencies are complemented by the ability for self‑learning and continuous updating, as well as transversal communication and relational skills (with particular emphasis on English language proficiency), organizational and managerial abilities, and planning skills relevant to pharmaceutical and industrial biotechnology at both national and international levels.
Career opportunities, both nationally and internationally, include:
Universities and public or private research institutions.
Biotechnology industries and services.
Pharmaceutical industry.
Cosmetic industry.
Nutritional products industry.
Diagnostic device industry.
Scientific instrumentation industry.
Public and private healthcare organizations.
Drug regulatory and surveillance agencies.
Bio‑pharmaceutical consulting organizations.
Environmental prevention and monitoring agencies.
National and international regulatory and/or certification bodies.
Graduates in Pharmaceutical and Industrial Biotechnology also work in research and development laboratories supervising, validating, and optimizing biotechnological production processes such as fermentations and bioconversions, ensuring compliance with production and analytical procedures and overseeing quality control, supported by economic, financial, legislative, and industrial production knowledge.
Finally, according to current regulations, graduates may access the profession of Senior Biologist (Section A of the professional register) after passing the relevant state examination. Graduates who have obtained a sufficient number of credits in specific disciplinary areas may participate in competitive exams and/or admission tests for secondary‑school teaching training pathways, as established by current Italian legislation.
