Job openings in Program 2

Self-Sustainable Microbial Systems

PhD positions

  • University Assistant Predoctoral at Faculty of Chemistry  

    Job vacancy starting: 01.12.2025 | Working hours:  30,00  | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) 

    Limited contract until: 30.11.2028

    Job ID: 4816

    Project description:

    This position is embedded within the Cluster of Excellence Circular Bioengineering, which is revolutionizing how we think about sustainable production. By combining bioengineering, materials science, and chemistry, the cluster aims to develop innovative, closed-loop material cycles for zero-waste production and maximal resource efficiency.

    At the heart of the cluster, three interconnected research pillars drive innovation:

    • Sustainable Natural Resource Utilization

    • Microbial and Enzymatic Conversion

    • Process Circularity

    Your personal sphere of influence:

    We are seeking a PhD candidate to join the Biochemical Network Analysis group, led by Jürgen Zanghellini. The team focuses on mathematical modeling, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing for biotechnological applications.

    The project aims to develop computational tools for bioprocess optimization, combining modeling, simulation, and data-driven methods to improve the efficiency and robustness of microbial and enzymatic production systems. You will design and implement computational frameworks to analyze process data, identify optimal operating conditions, and support sustainable bioproduction strategies.

    Your future tasks:

    • Develop computational models and optimization tools for bioprocess systems.

    • Create software solutions and data pipelines for simulation, model calibration, and analysis.

    • Sign a doctoral thesis agreement within 6-12 months and complete your PhD thesis within the project duration.

    • Prepare and publish research results and present them at scientific conferences.

    • Contribute to research activities, meetings, and administrative tasks within the group.

    This is part of your personality:

    • Master’s degree in Data Science, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Chemical Engineering, Systems Biology, or a related field.

    • Good programming skills in Python, R, or similar languages.

    • Experience with mathematical modeling, process optimization, or AI methods is highly desirable.

    • Wet lab experience, for instance in bioprocess development, is a plus.

    • Motivated, organized, and collaborative, with a strong interest in biotechnological applications.

    What we offer:

    • Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours.

    • Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment.

    • Good public transport connections: Your workplace is easily accessible by public transport.

    • Internal further training & Coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.

    • Fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 3,714,80 (on a full-time basis) increases if we can credit professional experience.

    • Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

    Applikation guidelines:

    • Apply via job portal of University of Vienna (Job ID: 4816)

    • Letter of Motivation: Explain your interest in the position and relevant experience.

    • Academic CV: Include a list of publications, courses taught, and talks given.

    • Research Interests: Describe your research interests and future research agenda.

    • References: Provide contact details of individuals who can provide letters of reference.

    If you have any questions, please contact:  juergen.zanghellini@univie.ac.at

    We look forward to new personalities in our team! 
    The University of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance to equal opportunities, the advancement of women and diversity. We place particular emphasis on enhancing women’s representation among the academic and general university staff, particularly in leadership roles, and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.

    Main Supervisor: Univ-Prof. Jürgen Zanghellini

    Location: University of Vienna, Sensengasse 8/15, 1090 Vienna

    Duration: 36 Months, 30h/week

    Submission deadline: 5th of November 2025

PD positions

  • We are seeking a highly motivated researcher (Post Doc) to develop innovative cellular architectures enabling novel metabolic pathways in methylotrophic yeasts. The successful candidate will design and engineer synthetic compartmentalization strategies that mimic and expand natural organelle functions to achieve efficient C1 bioconversion.

    Project Context:

    In nature, organelles provide dedicated environments for specific biochemical conversions. Their selective enrichment of enzymes and metabolites enhances reaction efficiency, prevents unwanted side reactions, and allows for fine-tuned control of redox potential, pH, and cofactor availability. This project aims to translate these advantages into an engineered biological system by leveraging the unique metabolic and structural features of methylotrophic yeasts.

    The focus lies on exploring the peroxisome as a productive compartment for converting one‑carbon (C1) building blocks into valuable biochemicals. Tailoring metabolic pathways to function in this specialized environment will be central to achieving high‑yield, selective conversions. In addition, the project seeks to gain fundamental insights into the biology of methylotrophic yeasts, deepening our understanding of their organelle dynamics, metabolic regulation, and potential for biotechnological innovation.

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Engineer and optimize synthetic pathways in yeasts.

    • Modify cellular redox and cofactor systems to support novel bioconversions.

    • Employ molecular biology, metabolic modeling, and advanced microscopy to analyze pathway performance.

    • Collaborate with experts in metabolic engineering, systems biology, and biochemical analysis.

    • Supervision of PhD, master and bachelor students.

    Candidate Profile:

    • Finished PhD (or equivalent research experience) in molecular biology, microbiology, biochemical engineering, or a related field.

    • Strong background in yeast genetics and synthetic biology.

    • Experience with bioreactors.

    • Experience in the analysis of proteomic, genomic datasets (bioinformatic skills).

    • Experience with enzyme compartmentalization, or peroxisome function is advantageous.

    • Interest in integrating fundamental cell biology with applied biomanufacturing.

    • Skilled in scientific writing (papers, project applications).

    • Demonstrated team spirit with willingness to collaborate across disciplines in an international research setting.

    • Strong ability for creative thinking to design unconventional solutions for synthetic cellular environments.

    We offer:

    • A stimulating interdisciplinary environment linking cellular engineering and metabolic innovation.

    • Access to modern research infrastructure for molecular, biochemical, and systems-level analysis.

    • Opportunity to contribute to a pioneering approach in yeast cell factory design.

    • 40h/ week - 24 Month

    • Minimum gross monthly salary according to the B1 salary group according to the Austrian university collective agreement (as of 2025 : EUR 3,714.80 for full-time employment)

    Main supervisor: Associate Prof. Matthias Steiger

    Location: TU Wien

    Duration: 24 Months, 40h/week

    Application guidelines:

    Please send your job application to cb_recruiting@boku.ac.at , indicating your name and the project/position number in the subject line (e.g. "Jane Doe, application for PD 2.4").

    Further information on Application documents and formal criteria see Application guidlines. The application must meet all formal criteria, otherwise it cannot be considered.

    Submission deadline: 10.11.2025.