Postdoc marine evolutionary physiology (University Assistant)

Postdoc marine evolutionary physiology (University Assistant)

The University of Vienna is seeking a Postdoc for the Faculty of Life Sciences. Job vacancy starting: 01.11.2026. Working hours: 40.00. Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc). Job ID: 6125.

The Postdoc position is embedded in an active and stimulating research environment at the University of Vienna. Located in the Marine Experimental Ecology group in the Department of Functional & Evolutionary Ecology, the position will contribute to research and teaching in marine ecophysiology and climate change adaptation.

Your field of activity

The successful candidate will work with colleagues in the Marine Experimental Ecology group led by Frank Melzner, as well as external collaborators, to understand physiological responses to heat stress in mytilid mussels and other intertidal and coastal invertebrates and/or algae. The research aims to better understand whether heat resistant populations already populate European coasts in microhabitats characterized by higher average temperatures and thermal fluctuations.

The successful candidate will cooperate with a Postdoc in evolutionary genomics and with ecologists, so that heat resistant genotypes can be phenotyped in detail, and is expected to participate in field sampling expeditions. Phenotyping activities include whole organism responses, cellular and metabolic phenotyping approaches, multiomics, mitochondrial physiology and enzyme kinetics. Experiments will be conducted in tidal incubation facilities at the University of Vienna and coastal mesocosm facilities.

The position is full-time and limited to 60 months. The starting date is as early as Nov 1st, 2026.

Your future tasks

Active participation in research and teaching, which means:

• You analyse phenotypic responses of mytilid mussels to heat stress and understand what physiological mechanisms enable longer tolerance of heat waves in intertidal habitats, also considering potential trade-offs.
• You cooperate with evolutionary genomicists and ecologists to link phenotypes and biotic interactions in the field to genotypes.
• You participate in field sampling campaigns and lead experimental studies.
• You lead and participate in scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international meetings.
• You write proposals to obtain additional funds from FWF, EU and other funding agencies and establish your own line of research.
• You co-supervise Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral students in Marine Biology.
• You take on tasks in teaching as well as evaluation procedures.

This is part of your personality

You must have:

• Ph.D. in animal physiology, zoology, marine ecology or related field.
• Excellent whole animal and cellular physiology lab skills.
• Excellent molecular biology lab skills.
• At least one peer-reviewed publication in marine animal physiology as first author.
• Good bioinformatic skills and willingness to embrace novel bioinformatic approaches to analyse large datasets.

Desirable skills:

• Supervision and teaching experience.
• Experience with mollusc physiology, cell biology and immunology.
• Experience with field work in intertidal habitats.
• Experience with mesocosm work.
• Good organisational skills.
• Presentation experience in an international setting.

What we offer

Inspiring and dynamic working atmosphere with excellent and diverse lab facilities and a wide range of research and teaching support services.

Work-life balance: Employees enjoy flexible working hours. Upon agreement, hybrid working hours within Austria might be possible up to a certain extent.

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

Fair salary: A basic gross salary of EUR 5,450.60 on a 40h/week basis per month, 14 times a year, increases if professional experience can be credited.

It is that easy to apply

Please prepare your application as a single PDF file which includes:

• CV including a list of publications.
• A cover letter stating your motivation and visions how to develop your independent research profile in the next years.
• Doctoral or PhD degree certificate.
• Contact information for at least 2 referees.
• Please apply via the job portal using the Apply now button.

If you have any questions, please contact

Frank Melzner

Application deadline: 25.09.2026