Job openings in Program 4

Description of project

Background:

Bioengineering can support a socio-ecological transformation if it is implemented in sustainable terms. However, global databases remain limited in scope, the cross-sectoral aspects of production, processing and consumption systems, potentials for substitution and for cascadic uses are not well explored in this context. Thus, their potential role to minimize ecological trade-offs and enhance resource efficiency remains a knowledge gap.

The project will quantify the current global state of biomass flows with focus on cross-sectoral interrelations, varying end uses of biomass streams, substitutability, the potential for cascadic biomass chains, etc. and contribute to the analysis of promising bioengineering pathways in terms of climate change mitigation and biodiversity protection (in close collaboration with PostDoc 4.3).

Research Objectives:

• Contribute to the establishment of a global biomass flow database with a focus on discerning qualitative aspects of biomass flows (chemical, mechanical properties, etc.)

• Improve the representation in biomass flow databases with regard to end uses (food, feed, fibres, industry, energy), with a focus on increasing thematic detail in industry utilizations.

• Perform scenario analyses to identify promising pathways of circular bioengineering in terms of ecological performance, with a focus on the potential of utilizing waste streams and increasing cascadic uses

• Evaluate global bioengineering rollout strategies.

Methods:

The project is deeply rooted in Social Ecology and applies and further develops methods of economy-wide Material and Energy Flow Analysis (MEFA) for the assessment of biomass flows at the global scale with high thematic resolution. Scenario analysis will be based on the expansion of the biophysical land-system model BioBaM-GHG and will include qualitative analyses of relevant policy narratives and measures as well as options for future bioeconomy/bioengineering development.

Required skills and qualifications:

• Doctoral degree/PhD in Environmental Sciences, Social Ecology, Industrial Ecology, Interdisciplinary Sustainability Sciences or a related field

• Language skills: very good English skills

• Strong experience in biophysical accounting and modeling with a focus on agronomic and material flow databases

• In-depth knowledge of bioeconomy principles, sectors and policy and agri-food and land systems

• Wide thematic and methodological profile, experience in interdisciplinary research bridging social and natural sciences

• Experience in linking qualitative and quantitative data for scenario analyses

• Proven ability and skills for working in teams

• Scientific writing and presentation skills. Proven ability to publish in international and interdisciplinary journals

• Experience in sectorial and economy-wide, biophysical as well as social/political analysis

Desirable skills and qualifications:

• Experience in scientific programming: R and MatLab

• Proficient in German or willingness to learn German

University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna seeks to increase the number of its female faculty and staff members. Therefore qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply. In case of equal qualification, female candidates will be given preference unless reasons specific to an individual male candidate tilt the balance in his favour.

People with disabilities and appropriate qualifications are specifically encouraged to apply.

Application guidelines:

• Please send your job application to Personnel Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Peter-Jordan-Straße 70, 1190 Vienna; E-Mail: recruiting@boku.ac.at. (Reference code: 228)

• Please use this Application form – Postdoc-positions (download here)

• Please note that we will not be able to process your application without this form and unless it is sent to recruiting@boku.ac.at

• Following additional documents have to be submitted as .pdf files:

  - Curriculum vitae

  -Copy of certificates from the applicant’s bachelor, master/diploma and doctoral studies

  -A translation of the documents is necessary if the original documents are not in English or German

• For information on the further application procedure – online hearing and interviews – see https://www.circularbioengineering.at/jobs

We regret that we cannot reimburse applicants travel and lodging expenses incurred as part of the selection and hiring process.

Main Supervisor: Associate .Prof. Karheinz Erb

Co-Supervisors: Associate Prof. Johannes Schmidt, Univ.-Prof. Hermine Mitter

Location: Boku University Vienna, Schottenfeldgasse 29

Duration: 48 Months, 20h/week

Submission deadline: 6th of January 2026