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