BTI faculty are members of different graduate programs in the life sciences and in engineering based on their home departments and research interests. BTI faculty are also members of the Microbial Engineering program. Graduate students admitted by these programs received discipline specific training and conduct cross-cutting biotechnology research in BTI research groups. 

Our BTI student and postdoc group organizes professional and career skills development opportunities for biotechnology interested students and postdocs across campus.

Additionally, for over 25 years, the Biotechnology Training Program at the University of Minnesota has aimed to train the next generation of biotechnology innovators, creators and leaders seeking out the frontiers of their fields. 

Supported by the National Institute of Health, we have prepared highly skilled students with the cross-disciplinary skills, knowledge, and broad perspectives needed to solve challenging questions and problems in biotechnology that rarely follow traditional disciplinary boundaries and involve fast changing technologies. The program has supported graduate students to conduct collaborative research and provided opportunities for industrial internships, international research, and specialized retreats, classes and seminars for professional development and workforce training.

High private-sector demand for our graduates is a useful indicator of the program’s successful outcomes. Many of our trainees receive employment offers well in advance of their PhD defense. Our longstanding program has trained more than 200 graduate students. More than half are employed by industry immediately upon graduation. Other former trainees have developed successful careers in academia, research laboratories, government agencies, law or started their own companies. They continue to apply the skill sets acquired here to conduct cutting-edge research, educate the next generation of students and/or advance economic development, science and policy in the US. 

Our extensive alumni network is a valuable asset for the professional and career development of our current students and for engaging with companies and other external entities to conduct fundamental and translational research at the forefront of biotechnology. Learn more about our alumni network.

The Biotechnology Training Program is currently not accepting any new students.