University assistant predoctoral

University assistant predoctoral

The University of Vienna is currently seeking a University assistant predoctoral at the 52 Faculty of Chemistry.

Job vacancy starting: 01.10.2026 | Working hours: 30.00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)

Limited contract until: 30.09.2030

Job ID: 5993

The Department of Biological Chemistry at the Faculty of Chemistry announces a 4-year position for a university assistant (prae-doc) on the topic of developing chemical tools for investigating microbial interactions (research group Microbial Biochemistry, Böttcher lab). The research group is looking for highly talented and highly motivated PhD students with a strong background in Synthetic Chemistry, Chemical Biology, and/or Pharmacology to join the Microbial Biochemistry Research Group at the University of Vienna.

Your personal sphere of influence:

As a university assistant prae-doc, you will complement the research team around exploring chemical strategies for the customized modulation of bacterial population behavior with the goal of selectively interfering and controlling microbe-phage interactions. You will investigate chemical interactions and design specialized synthetic devices that allow investigation of microbial viruses (phages) from a chemical point of view. A solid background in synthetic chemistry ideally complemented with knowledge about microbiology or biochemistry of microbes is desirable.

Your future tasks:

You actively participate in research, teaching and administration, which means:

• You are involved in research projects and scientific studies on the aforementioned topics with the possibility of writing a dissertation.
• Design and synthesis of compounds with biological activity.
• Application of compounds in controlling and interfering with phage-biology.
• Biological assay development.
• Target identification and/or natural product isolation and inhibitor discovery.
• We expect you to finalize your dissertation agreement within 12-18 months.
• You work on your dissertation and its completion.
• You hold courses independently within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
• You take on administrative tasks in research, teaching and administration.
• Preparation of research reports, manuscripts for publications and oral presentations.
• Supervision and training of students and staff members.

This is part of your personality:

• Completed Master's degree or Diploma in chemistry, life sciences, biochemistry, molecular biology pharmacology, microbiology, or similar with synthetic chemistry skills.
• Basic experience in academic writing and with research methods such as organic synthesis, developing and applying biological activity assays, and microbial culturing.
• Didactic competences or experience with e-learning.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English at C1 level.
• Very good organization skills, precision and diligence in laboratory work.
• Highest level of motivation.
• Team player with high social skills.

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 3.776,10 on a full-time basis increases if professional experience can be credited.

Contract: The employment duration is 4 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 4 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a non-extension declaration.

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

It is that easy to apply:

• With your scientific curriculum vitae / letter of intent.
• With your summary of research interests / ideas for a prospective doctoral project proposal (max. 2 p.).
• Master Degree / Diploma.
• At least two references.
• Via the job portal / Apply now button.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Thomas Böttcher

thomas.boettcher@univie.ac.at

Application deadline: 01.08.2026