Scientific Project Assistant Predoctoral in Marine Microbial Biogeochemistry
Investigate marine microbial activity and carbon cycling at the air-sea interface through field campaigns, single-cell analysis, and omics.
Best for:Best for master's graduates in marine biology or microbiology with molecular lab skills and an interest in oceanographic fieldwork.
Overview
The University of Vienna is seeking a predoctoral scientific project assistant to join the Marine Microbial Biogeochemistry group within the Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology. Working under the supervision of Dr. Thomas Reinthaler on the FWF-funded project “Variability of Ecologically Relevant Bacterioneuston (VERA)”, the researcher will explore how microorganisms shape biogeochemical processes in the sea-surface microlayer. The role involves laboratory experiments, sampling campaigns in Germany, participation in an Atlantic research cruise, and bioinformatic data analysis. The successful candidate will pursue a doctoral thesis within the Vienna Doctoral School of Ecology and Evolution.
What you'll do
- Collect sea-surface microlayer and water samples in northern Germany during monthly campaigns in the first project year.
- Participate in an oceanographic research cruise across the tropical and subtropical Atlantic aboard the RV METEOR.
- Measure single-cell bacterial activity using CARD-FISH, BONCAT, and Redox Sensor Green combined with flow cytometry and microscopy.
- Extract nucleic acids, prepare metagenomic and metatranscriptomic libraries, and perform bioinformatics data analysis.
- Co-supervise master's students in the laboratory and contribute to teaching activities if desired.
- Conduct doctoral research leading to a thesis comprising three papers within the Vienna Doctoral School of Ecology and Evolution.
- Collaborate closely with project partners at the University of Oldenburg and GEOMAR Kiel.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree or equivalent qualification in marine biology, microbiology, biological oceanography, biogeochemistry, or a closely related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; excellent written and spoken command
Instruction: English
- Completed Master's degree in a relevant discipline by the employment start date
- Practical experience in molecular or microbiological laboratory methods
- Familiarity with fluorescence microscopy techniques
- Foundational skills in bioinformatics using R or the Linux command line
- Willingness to travel for monthly fieldwork in Kiel and participate in a sea-going research cruise
- Must hold a recognized Master's degree or equivalent by the start date
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-20
Prepare a motivation letter including an AI-use statement, a tabular CV, a copy of your Master's thesis, and contact details for two referees. Submit all application materials through the University of Vienna online job portal by the specified deadline.
- Motivation letter
- AI-use statement
- CV
- Master's thesis
- 2 reference contacts
Contact
Thomas Reinthaler· Project Leader
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