Postdoc marine evolutionary physiology (University Assistant)

Postdoc marine evolutionary physiology (University Assistant)

The University of Vienna is seeking a Postdoc at 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 closely cooperate with a Postdoc in evolutionary genomics and ecologists, participate in field sampling expeditions, and phenotype heat resistant genotypes in detail. Phenotyping activities include whole organism responses such as filtration and respiration, as well as cellular and metabolic phenotyping approaches including 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:

• You analyse phenotypic responses of mytilid mussels to heat stress and investigate physiological mechanisms enabling longer tolerance of heat waves in intertidal habitats.
• 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 supervise Bachelor, Master and Doctoral students in Marine Biology.
• You take on tasks in teaching and 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 use 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: Flexible working hours. Upon agreement, hybrid working hours within Austria might be possible up to a certain extent.

Internal further training & coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis, with over 600 courses 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, with increases if professional experience can be credited.

Equal opportunities for everyone: The University of Vienna looks forward to diverse personalities in the team.

It is that easy to apply:

Please prepare your application as a single PDF file including a CV with publication list, a cover letter, doctoral/PhD degree certificate and contact information for at least 2 referees. Please apply via the job portal / Apply now button.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Frank Melzner

frank.melzner@univie.ac.at

Application deadline: 25.09.2026