University Assistant Predoctoral, Life Sciences

The University of Vienna is a community of almost 11,000 individuals, including approximately 7,700 academic staff members, who passionately pursue answers to the profound questions that shape our future. They represent individuals driven by curiosity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With us, they find the space to try things out and unfold their potential. Are you inspired by their passion and determination? We are currently seeking a/an

University assistant predoctoral

50 Faculty of Life Sciences
Working hours: 30 | Collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)
Reference no.: 6041

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where more than 7,500 academics thrive on curiosity in continuous exploration and help us better understand our world. Does this sound like you? Then join our accomplished team!

Join an interdisciplinary team at a dynamic research institution with state-of-the-art infrastructure. The successful candidate will join the Clinical Pharmacy Group at the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and enroll in the Vienna Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical, Nutritional and Sports Sciences (University of Vienna) in a 30-hours-per-week position to be filled as soon as possible and fixed-term for three years. The project investigates a stress-responsive noncoding RNA in metabolic disease, integrating advanced molecular and biochemical approaches in vitro with mechanistic studies in genetic mouse models to elucidate its molecular and physiological roles. 

Your personal sphere of influence:

You will join an interdisciplinary team at a dynamic research institution with excellent, state-of-the-art infrastructure. The successful candidate will be enrolled in the Vienna Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical, Nutritional and Sports Sciences at the University of Vienna. The position is 30 hours per week, to be filled at the earliest opportunity, and fixed-term for a total of three years.

The employment duration is 3 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 3 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a non-extension declaration.

The intended project explores the role of a noncoding RNA in metabolic stress and its therapeutic potential, utilizing in vitro cell-based and in vivo mouse models. The research incorporates advanced molecular and biochemical techniques to investigate these pathways.

Research question/hypothesis

Metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and MASLD pose major health and socioeconomic challenges, underscoring the need for innovative therapeutic strategies. Our project centers on a stress-responsive long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) that is critical for cellular survival under stress and has been linked to metabolic stress and liver disease. We hypothesize that this lncRNA modulates key pathways that drive disease initiation and progression and could serve as a tractable therapeutic target. The goals are to elucidate how the lncRNA is regulated during metabolic stress, define its functional role in relevant tissues, and assess its potential for healthy aging and lncRNA-based interventions.

Approach/methods

We will combine state-of-the-art molecular biology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics to map the regulation and function of this lncRNA under conditions relevant to metabolic disease, including ER stress, oxidative stress, and inflammation. In vitro experiments will use hepatic, intestinal, muscle, and immune cell models to dissect mechanism and pathway integration. Complementary in vivo studies in genetic mouse models will examine disease onset and progression, with comprehensive histological, biochemical, and molecular readouts to establish causality and therapeutic leverage points.

Your future tasks:

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

• You are involved in research projects and scientific studies in the above mentioned area.
• We expect you to finalize your dissertation agreement within 12 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.

This is part of your personality:

• Completed Master's degree or Diploma, in the field of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Nutritional Sciences (or related fields).
• The language of the doctoral school is English; therefore very good English is required, German is an adventage.
• Deep interest in and enthusiasm for scientific work.
• A critical and analytical mind.
• Strong communication, data presentation and visualisation skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• An asset: Experience in working with mammalian cells and mice and having knowledge of molecular biology.
• An asset: Experience in techniques, as well as biochemical and histological analysis methods.
• An asset: Experience in writing scientific publications.

What we offer:

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours and can partially work remotely.

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 we can credit professional experience.

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

It is that easy to apply:

• Cover letter including previous research experience, interests and motivation for applying
• Curriculum vitae
• Certificates including all university degrees and a transcript of academic records
• References

If you have any questions, please contact:

Florian Kopp

florian.kopp@univie.ac.at

We look forward to new personalities in our team!
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.

University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.

Data protection

​Application deadline: 09/06/2026

Prae Doc