MSc Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
The master's programme in Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics trains students to analyse complex biological data from genomics, proteomics, and imaging, tackling global challenges in medicine, food production, and sustainability. Combining biotechnology and bioinformatics, graduates are equipped to lead the fast-evolving data-driven life science sector. This is a new programme opening for application in October 2025.
Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics at KTH
The master's programme in Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics prepares students to address the growing need for experts to manage, analyse, and interpret the vast amounts of biological data generated by modern experimental technologies. It provides a unique combination of knowledge in molecular life sciences, biotechnology, and computational data analysis, skills that are increasingly critical in research, healthcare, environmental science, and industrial biotechnology.
You will explore a broad range of topics at the intersection of biology, computer science and engineering. The programme covers areas such as:
- Omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and epigenomics
- Subcellular and structural imaging, including cryo-electron microscopy and tomography
- Data analysis, statistics, probability, dimensionality reduction and machine learning
- Systems biology and modelling of metabolic and regulatory networks
- Integration of large-scale, multimodal datasets from public and private databases
While the programme does not have formal tracks, students can tailor their education through elective courses in advanced data analysis, machine learning, and visualisation, provided in collaboration with KTH's School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
Project-based learning is integrated throughout the curriculum, including real-world case studies derived from ongoing research. Students work with large biological datasets and may participate in research environments affiliated with initiatives such as the SciLifeLab, Human Protein Atlas and Alpha Cell. The programme is tightly connected to cutting-edge research at KTH, especially within the Departments of Gene Technology and Protein Science. Teaching is delivered by faculty who are pioneers in areas such as spatial transcriptomics and proteomics, technologies recognised by Nature as Methods of the Year in 2021 and 2024.
Upon graduation, you will be able to:
- Analyse, integrate and interpret complex biological data
- Apply computational models to biological systems
- Curate and process data from diverse sources
- Work effectively in interdisciplinary teams bridging biology, biotechnology and data science
- Evaluate the ethical and societal aspects of life science data use
KTH offers a unique environment for this programme. Stockholm is one of Europe's leading hubs for life science innovation, and KTH maintains strong ties to both startups and large companies in the sector. The research-led teaching, access to cutting-edge infrastructure, and proximity to real-world applications make KTH an ideal place to launch a career in the data-driven life sciences.
This is a two year programme (120 ECTS credits) given in English. Graduates are awarded the degree of Master of Science. The programme is given mainly at KTH Campus and KTH Solna by the School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health (at KTH).
Future and career
The master's programme in Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics prepares you for a growing number of roles at the intersection of biotechnology, data science, and life science innovation. As molecular biology becomes increasingly data-driven, there is a strong demand for professionals who can bridge experimental biology with computational analysis. By combining deep domain knowledge with strong computational skills, we prepare graduates to drive innovation across research, industry, and healthcare.
Graduates of the programme will be well-equipped to work in:
- The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries
- Startups and established companies within diagnostics, therapeutics and bioinformatics
- Public agencies and research institutes focused on healthcare, environment, and agriculture
- Emerging fields such as precision fermentation, synthetic biology, and sustainable bioproduction
Typical job roles include data analyst, research scientist, bioinformatics specialist, systems biologist, and R&D engineer. Graduates can also work in interdisciplinary teams focused on innovation in life science tools, AI applications in biology, or omics-based diagnostics.
The programme benefits from close ties to Sweden's dynamic life science sector. Previous graduates from related KTH programmes have found employment at companies such as AstraZeneca, Sobi, 10X Genomics, Pelago Bioscience, Atlas Antibodies, Xbrane Biopharma, Pixelgen, Navinci Diagnostics, public agencies such as the Swedish Tax Agency and innovation-driven tech companies.
The programme also provides a strong foundation for doctoral studies in biotechnology, computational biology, or systems medicine. Students may continue to PhD programmes at KTH, Karolinska Institutet, Uppsala University, or other leading universities in Sweden and internationally.
Sustainable development
Graduates from KTH have the knowledge and tools for moving society in a more sustainable direction, as sustainable development is an integral part of all programmes. The three key sustainable development goals addressed by the master's programme in Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics are:
Zero hunger
The programme equips you with knowledge in systems biology and biotechnology that you can apply to improve food security through sustainable food production, precision fermentation, and synthetic biology. Graduates may work with developing alternative proteins, improving crop resilience through genomic tools, or optimising microbial processes for nutrient production.
Good health and well-being
You will learn new techniques within precision medicine and how to correlate diverse types of individual patient data. Personalized medicine and faster, more accurate disease diagnostics will have a positive effect on societal health.
Clean water and sanitation
You will learn to analyse environmental omics data and apply biotechnology for water purification and biosensing. After graduation, you can contribute to innovations such as microbial systems for wastewater treatment or developing diagnostic tools to monitor waterborne pathogens.
Research and faculty
The programme is hosted by the School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health at KTH, one of Sweden's leading environments for life science research. The school is closely connected to the national research infrastructure SciLifeLab . It plays a central role in the Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS) initiative, placing the programme at the forefront of interdisciplinary research combining biotechnology and AI.
Students benefit from access to world-class research groups and facilities throughout their studies. Prominent faculty from the Divisions of Gene Technology and Protein Science are responsible for many of the core courses. These groups are internationally recognised for their contributions to omics-based research, structural biology, and advanced microscopy. In addition to the Human Protein Atlas and SciLifeLab Spatial Omics infrastructure, students can interact with other large-scale research infrastructures such as MAX IV (synchrotron radiation) and SciLifeLab's BioImage Informatics platform. This strong research foundation ensures that students are trained in methods and tools that are not only cutting-edge but also directly applicable in industry and academia.
KTH consistently ranks among the world's top universities in Engineering and Technology. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, KTH is ranked 73 globally in Biological Sciences and 42 in Chemical Engineering, underscoring the strength of research and education in this area.
Research facilities
Faculty involved in the programme
