Open positions

  • Laboratory technician position in virus ecology and evolution

    We are seeking a laboratory technician to assist with the ERC funded project “CHIMERA”.

    CHIMERA investigates the role of mobile genetic elements in the ecology and evolution of giant viruses. These viruses are abundant in soil and aquatic environments, infecting a wide range of protist hosts. Besides unusually large particle sizes, giant viruses possess complex “chimeric” genomes, including genes that were likely acquired from their hosts as well as bacteria that infect the same hosts. Unique is the presence of mobile genetic elements, that may play an important role in host-parasite co-evolution, whereby the same molecular systems are employed by hosts and parasites for defence and subsequent counter-defence.

    The holder of this position will assist with laboratory experiments in which we study the competition and interactions between viruses, bacteria and their hosts, from the micro (in a controlled laboratory environment) to the macro scale (in the wild).

    The position is part of a Starting Grant from the European Research Council under the supervision of Anouk Willemsen.

    Tasks:

    • Media preparation.
    • Cultivation and stock preparation of viruses and protists.
    • DNA/RNA/protein extractions.
    • Assist other team members with experiments (e.g. fluorescent in situ hybridization, microscopy, flow cytometry, large-scale infection experiments with time series, extraction of nanoparticles).
    • Maintain laboratory inventory.
    • Ordering of consumables.

    Profile of the Candidate:

    • Bachelor/Master degree (or equivalent) in Biology/Microbiology/Virology/Molecular Biology or a related subject.
    • Very good communication and organizational skills.
    • Ability and willingness to work independently as well as in a larger team.
    • Willingness to acquire new methodological skills required for the project.

    For further information, please contact:

    Ass.-Prof. Dr. Anouk Willemsen (anouk.willemsen@univie.ac.at)

    Application deadline: 30th November, 2023

  • Postdoc position on the ecology and evolution of giant viruses

    We are seeking a bioinformatic postdoctoral researcher for the ERC funded project “CHIMERA”.

    CHIMERA investigates the role of mobile genetic elements in the ecology and evolution of giant viruses. These viruses are abundant in soil and aquatic environments, infecting a wide range of protist hosts. Besides unusually large particle sizes, giant viruses possess complex “chimeric” genomes, including genes that were likely acquired from their hosts as well as bacteria that infect the same hosts. Unique is the presence of mobile genetic elements, that may play an important role in host-parasite co-evolution, whereby the same molecular systems are employed by hosts and parasites for defence and subsequent counter-defence. The holder of this position will support the project by studying the competition and interactions between viruses, bacteria and their hosts, from the micro (in a controlled laboratory environment) to the macro scale (in the wild). The research will be conducted as part of a Starting Grant from the European Research Council under the supervision of Anouk Willemsen.

    Tasks:

    Specific research tasks will be tailored to the candidate. These can include:

    • Field work to obtain samples.
    • Prepare samples for targeted metagenomics and single-cell sequencing.
    • Bioinformatic analyses on the sequence data.
    • Possibility to do laboratory work with the obtained samples (e.g. microscopy, flow cytometry).

    General tasks include:

    • Active participation in research, publication, administration and communication activities.
    • Collaborate with members of the research team.
    • Present work output in group and departmental seminars.
    • Disseminate results at national and international conferences.
    • Supervision of trainees and students.

    Profile of the Candidate:

    • PhD degree (or equivalent) in Biology/Microbiology/Virology/Molecular Biology/Systems Biology/Computational Biology or a related subject.
    • Expertise in bioinformatic analyses
    • High ability to express yourself both orally and in writing.
    • Very good organizational skills.
    • Ability and willingness to work independently as well as in a larger team.
    • Willingness to acquire new methodological skills required for the project.
    • Excellent command of English (written and spoken).

    For further information, please contact: Ass.-Prof. Dr. Anouk Willemsen (anouk.willemsen@univie.ac.at)

    Application deadline: 30th November, 2023

  • Postdoc position on aquatic methane biogeochemistry

    A 3-year Postdoc position is available at the Division of Microbial Ecology (DOME) at the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CeMESS), University of Vienna, Austria. The postdoctoral researcher will conduct research within the framework of the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) START Grant “METHANIAQ” on microbial methane cycling in aquatic ecosystems.

    Project description:
    Aquatic ecosystems are a major source of the potent greenhouse gas methane, accounting for half of the global methane emissions. Biogenic methane is microbially produced in anoxic sediments and typically rapidly consumed by methanotrophic microorganisms, largely limiting emissions to the atmosphere. However, methane concentrations are often elevated in oxic surface waters of oceans and lakes (“methane paradox”). Due to its proximity to the atmosphere, aerobic methane production in surface waters might constitute a particularly important source of methane, which might escape the aquatic “microbial methane filter”. Yet, we currently lack a comprehensive understanding of the involved processes and microorganisms. The postdoctoral researcher will use a combination of stable isotope tracing and natural abundance approaches to investigate sources and production rates of methane in oxic surface waters. Furthermore, we will apply metagenomics and -transcriptomics to identify the main microbial groups and pathways involved in aerobic methane production.

    The successful candidate will benefit from a collaborative and international research network. We thrive to be an inclusive, welcoming and safe environment for people of all backgrounds, ethnic identities and gender identities.

    Ideal start date is January 2024 with some flexibility to start later.

    Requirements:
    Interested candidates (f/m/d) should have a PhD degree in a relevant field and a demonstrable publication record. Researchers with experience in biogeochemistry, geobiology and/or microbial ecology are particularly encouraged to apply. Experience with isotope applications, in particular stable isotope tracing and natural abundance approaches, would be highly beneficial. A strong interest to learn new methodological skills required for the project is of advantage. Good organizational skills and the ability to work independently but also in research teams are essential. The candidate must be able to manage their research project and should have an excellent level of spoken and written English. Self-motivation, creativity and curiosity are essential assets. Willingness and motivation to plan and conduct fieldwork in lake and/or ocean environments is required.

    How to apply:
    For informal enquiries or to apply, please contact Barbara Bayer (barbara.bayer@univie.ac.at). For applications, please send a short (max. 1-page) cover letter (highlighting your main interests and relevant experience) and your CV (including the contact information for 3 references). For full consideration, please send your application until October 15th.

  • PhD position on microbial methane cycling in aquatic ecosystems

    A fully funded (4-year) PhD position is available at the Division of Microbial Ecology (DOME) at the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CeMESS), University of Vienna, Austria. The PhD candidate will conduct research within the framework of the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) START Grant “METHANIAQ” under the supervision of Barbara Bayer, PhD.

    Project description:
    Aquatic ecosystems are a major source of the potent greenhouse gas methane, accounting for half of the global methane emissions. Biogenic methane is microbially produced in anoxic sediments and typically rapidly consumed by methanotrophic microorganisms, largely limiting emissions to the atmosphere (=”microbial methane filter”). Enhanced eutrophication due to human activities has been linked to increases in methane emissions from coastal ocean and lake ecosystems. Yet, it is unclear how such changes in environmental conditions affect the in situ activities of methanotrophic microorganisms. The PhD candidate will conduct research to understand the impacts of eutrophication on methane consumption in lakes and coastal zones.

    Project-related tasks include:
    • Laboratory experiments with methanotrophic microorganisms
    • Methane measurements at multiple lake and/or ocean sites
    • Metagenomics of in situ microbial communities
    • Data analyses and preparation of scientific publications
    • Presenting work output in department seminars and at conferences
    • Co-supervision of trainees and students

    The successful candidate will benefit from a collaborative and international research network. We thrive to be an inclusive, welcoming and safe environment for people of all backgrounds, ethnic identities and gender identities.

    Ideal start date is January 2024 with some flexibility to start later.

    Requirements:
    Interested candidates (f/m/d) should have a MSc degree (or equivalent) in Microbiology/Ecology/Aquatic Sciences/Geochemistry or a related field. A strong interest to learn new methodological skills required for the project is essential. Previous experience with laboratory and/or fieldwork is of advantage. The candidate must have the ability to work independently but also in research teams. Self-motivation, creativity and curiosity are essential assets. Willingness to plan and conduct fieldwork in lake and/or ocean environments is required. The candidate must have good organizational skills and a very good level of spoken and written English.

    How to apply:
    For informal enquiries or to apply, please contact Barbara Bayer (barbara.bayer@univie.ac.at). For applications, please send a short (max. 1-page) cover letter (highlighting your main interests and relevant experience) and your CV (including the contact information for 2 references). For full consideration, please send your application until October 15th.

  • 5 PhD positions in the Doctoral School in Microbiology and Environmental Science

    The Doctoral School in Microbiology and Environmental Science offers 5 PhD positions in the Spring 2023 recruitment call.

    Positions are available in the following projects:

    - Survival and resuscitation mechanisms of desert soil bacteria
    - Identification of tire wear additives in plant agriculture
    - How to detect biodegradable plastics in compost and improve compostability?
    - Remediation of forever chemicals: PFAS in groundwater
    - Identification of host intrinsic factors that shape the sponge microbiome

    The call is open May 1st - 31st, 2023.

    More information and online application at https://vds-mes.univie.ac.at/apply

  • Postdoctoral position in the Group of Dagmar Woebken

    EXPLORING SURVIVAL AND RESUSCITATION MECHANISMS OF DESERT SOIL BACTERIA

    The Woebken Group is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral position.

    Background:

    Microorganisms in drylands have to endure long periods of drought, interrupted by unpredictable and very short periods of rain. Dormancy - an inactive state or a state of reduced metabolic activity - has long been regarded as a prerequisite for desert soil microorganisms to survive such drought periods. However, as dormancy cannot be sustained indefinitely, phases of resuscitation must also play an important role for long-term survival of desert soil microorganisms and thus for maintaining microbial diversity in one of the harshest environments on the planet.

    Project:

    In this project, we are investigating the desiccation survival mechanisms of soil microorganisms and the molecular mechanisms of resuscitation. This will be achieved by applying genome-resolved metatranscriptomics of desert soil microbial communities, building upon knowledge gained by our recent metagenomic investigation of biological soil crusts from the Negev Desert, Israel. In situ community transcription patterns will be combined with single-cell activity assays, employing a recently developed heavy water-NanoSIMS assay to detect anabolically active cells, and process measurements.

    Requirements:

    Candidates should had a PhD degree in microbiology or biological sciences. A background in microbial ecology (ideally soil microbial ecology) with experimental or fieldwork experience is necessary. A comprehensive understanding of microbial physiology, along with generating and interpreting meta-genomic or metatranscriptomic data is mandatory. We expect the candidate to be creative and innovative with her/his/their research ideas. Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory. Good scientific writing and verbal communication skills are necessary. The ability to work and communication in a team is essential.

    For additional details, please see the pdf.

    Please enclose the following documents to your application:

    • Letter of motivation (1-2 pages)
    • Curriculum Vitae
    • University certificate(s), including grades
    • Two letters of recommendation

     

    Please send your application as a pdf to dagmar.woebken@univie.ac.at with the subject "Postdoc-position Survival and Resuscitation". 

  • PhD Student Positions in the Group of Dagmar Woebken

    EXPLORING SURVIVAL AND RESUSCITATION MECHANISMS OF DESERT SOIL BACTERIA

    The Woebken Group is accepting applications for PhD student positions.

    Background:

    Microorganisms in drylands have to endure long periods of drought, interrupted by unpredictable and very short periods of rain. Dormancy - an inactive state or a state of reduced metabolic activity - has long been regarded as a prerequisite for desert soil microorganisms to survive such drought periods. However, as dormancy cannot be sustained indefinitely, phases of resuscitation must also play an important role for long-term survival of desert soil microorganisms and thus for maintaining microbial diversity in one of the harshest environments on the planet.

    Project:

    In this project, we are investigating the desiccation survival mechanisms of soil microorganisms and the molecular mechanisms of resuscitation. This will be achieved by applying genome-resolved metatranscriptomics of desert soil microbial communities, building upon knowledge gained by our recent metagenomic investigation of biological soil crusts from the Negev Desert, Israel. In situ community transcription patterns will be combined with single-cell activity assays, employing a recently developed heavy water-NanoSIMS assay to detect anabolically active cells, and process measurements.

    Requirements:

    Candidates should had a MSc degree in microbiology, molecular biology or a related biological discipline, or a degree in ecology with a focus on microbial ecology. The applicant should be highly motivated with a strong interest in microbial ecology and microbial survival. More specifically, the applicant should have practical experience in molecular biology, microbial community analyses (e.g. via 16S rRNA genes; experience in genome/-omics analysis will be highly favored), bioinformatic skills and a solid knowledge of statistical data analysis is preferred, but not mandatory. Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory. The ability to work and communication in a team is essential.

    For additional details, please see the pdf.

    Please enclose the following documents to your application:

    • Letter of motivation (1-2 pages)
    • Curriculum Vitae
    • University certificate(s), including grades
    • Two letters of recommendation

     

    Please send your application as a pdf to dagmar.woebken@univie.ac.at with the subject "PhD-position Survival and Resuscitation". 

  • Master's Student in the group of Martin Polz

    We are looking for a highly motivated master's student interested in the co-evolutionary interactions of bacteria and their viruses. The master thesis project is taking place in the research group of Prof. Martin Polz at the Department of Microbial Ecology (DoME) at the University of Vienna. The duration of the project is for six-months.

    Background:
    Due to the immense evolutionary pressure imposed by phages, bacteria have evolved many mechanisms to evade phage infection and killing, for example, well-known CRISPR-Cas and restriction-modification systems. In turn, bacteriophages have developed various strategies to bypass immunity for successful infection. Yet, the diversity of phage evasion strategies and mechanisms of their action remain largely unknown. Therefore, it is essential to study phage-host interactions to understand the ecological dynamics of microbes and for potential application in phage therapy.

    Project:
    The master thesis project will study candidate counter-defense proteins of Vibrio phages which act as a counterplay against defense mechanisms of marine Vibrio bacteria. The project will include molecular cloning of the bacterial defense systems and viral counter-defense proteins in a laboratory strain of Vibrio, as well as bioinformatics and viral infection experiments.

    Requirements:
    Candidates should hold a BSc degree in Biology (particular emphasis in microbiology, microbial ecology, molecular biology, or similar). The applicant should have previous laboratory experience, particularly in the fields of microbiology and molecular biology. We are looking for a master's student who is highly motivated, with good communication skills, and ability to work in a large department with numerous labs. Our lab consists mainly of foreign scientists; therefore, candidates should have excellent English writing and oral communication skills.

    Please enclose the following documents to your application:
    • Letter of intent
    • Curriculum Vitae
    Please send it to: martin.f.polz@univie.ac.at

  • Postdoctoral fellowship in marine symbioses - Petersen group

    The Petersen group is currently looking for a postdoctoral fellow for a 28-month position starting early 2023. See the pdf for more details on the position and how to apply

  • Apply for a personal PhD or postdoc stipend to join DOME

    We strongly encourage excellent candidates to look for external funding opportunities as shown but not limited to the options below. A personal stipend gives you independence by allocating your own research budget and travel funds. We will assist you to develop a joint research project and to apply for your own grant.

    Please get in touch with the DOME group leader whose team you want join with a brief project outline for further discussion, indicate in your application for which stipends you would be eligible to apply and what would be the next deadline of application (check out the call informations of the individual stipend options).

    Marie-Skłodowska Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Vienna

    List of other selected PhD and Postdoc stipends (please check out other fellowship opportunities e.g. from your home country)