University Assistant Postdoctoral, Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science

The University of Vienna has been ranked among the Top 100 Universities in the World by Times Higher Education (THE). We strive to create a harmony of contrasts, creating new possibilities and ideas. Let us shape the future together and make a real difference to society. We are looking for a

University Assistant postdoctoral

91 Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science
Startdate: 01.01.2027 | Working hours: 40 | Collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc)
Reference no.: 6398

The Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CeMESS) at the University of Vienna conducts basic research on the structure and function of microbiomes at an internationally leading level. We are looking for a post postdoctoral researcher to support our team.

Your personal sphere of influence:

The Division of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science (DoME, https://dome.univie.ac.at/) is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our group. The candidate will focus on investigating metabolic features that may shape interactions of Patescibacteria with other microbes including polyphosphate-accumulating organisms in wastewater treatment plants. This research aims to elucidate the nature of interactions between these microbes and their potential implication for wastewater treatment processes. Our group is dedicated to exploring various aspects of microbial ecology in both natural and engineered systems, including wastewater treatment.

Your future tasks:

The postdoctoral researcher will investigate the interactions between Patescibacteria and polyphosphate-accumulating organisms in wastewater treatment plants aiming to uncover novel aspects of this fascinating interplay. This work will primarily involve bioinformatic analyses, including large-scale genome and metagenome data interpretation, complemented by lab-based approaches, such as fluorescence in situ hybridization and activity-based assays to validate findings and explore functional insights.

This is part of your personality:

• Experience in population and co-occurrence analyses as well comparative genomic analyses for metabolic reconstruction.
• Experience in using a range of bioinformatical tools but also lab-based methods to study microbial interactions. 
• In-depth understanding of Patescibacteria and knowledge of microbial processes in wastewater treatment systems, including phosphorus removal and polyphosphate-accumulating organisms.
• Experience in molecular techniques like fluorescence in situ hybridization and PCR-based methods.
• Phd in a relevant field

What we offer:

Work-Life-Balance: Our employees enjoy flexible, family-friendly working hours, remote/hybrid and/or part-time work (upon agreement).
Inspiring working atmosphere: You are part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment.
Good public transport connections: Your workplace in the center of beautiful Vienna 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 gross salary of EUR 5.014,30 (on full-time basis, 14x per year) increases if we can credit professional experience.
Equal opportunities for everyone: We look forward to diverse personalities in the team.

It is that easy to apply:

• Your application should consist of a letter of motivation (1-2 pages), the letter of motivation should address the stated qualifications for the position, relevant experience and research interests
• your CV including a publication list, university certificate(s) including grades and contact information of two references.
• Via our job portal / Apply now - button

For any content-related questions, please contact:

Annina Müller Strassnig

annina.mueller@univie.ac.at

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.

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Application deadline: 11/11/2026

Post Doc