Scientific Project Assistant Predoctoral
Investigate active marine bacteria in the sea-surface microlayer as a predoctoral researcher at the University of Vienna.
Best for:Best for aspiring marine microbiologists and biological oceanographers with molecular laboratory experience and a background in bioinformatics.
Overview
The University of Vienna invites applications for a predoctoral scientific project assistant position within the FWF-funded project "Variability of Ecologically Relevant Bacterioneuston (VERA)", led by Dr. Thomas Reinthaler. The successful candidate will investigate microbial activity, community structure, and biogeochemical roles in the sea-surface microlayer through a combination of fieldwork, laboratory assays, and bioinformatics. The role involves participating in sampling campaigns in Germany and an Atlantic research cruise aboard the RV METEOR, as well as contributing to teaching and pursuing a doctoral thesis within the Vienna Doctoral School of Ecology and Evolution (VDSEE). Applicants are expected to hold a relevant master's degree and bring strong teamwork and communication skills.
What you'll do
- Conduct monthly surface microlayer and water sampling in Kiel, Germany, during the first year of the project.
- Participate in a research cruise aboard the RV METEOR across the tropical and subtropical Atlantic, performing sampling and shipboard experiments.
- Measure the single-cell activity of specific bacterial groups using CARD-FISH, BONCAT, and Redox Sensor Green combined with flow cytometry and microscopy.
- Perform nucleic acid extractions, prepare metagenomic and metatranscriptomic samples, and conduct bioinformatic data analyses.
- Co-supervise master's students in the laboratory and contribute to teaching activities at a later stage.
- Pursue a doctoral thesis comprising three peer-reviewed papers within the Vienna Doctoral School of Ecology and Evolution (VDSEE).
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 command of written and spoken English required
Instruction: English
- Experience in molecular or microbiological laboratory methods
- Experience in fluorescence microscopy
- Proficiency in bioinformatics tools and languages such as R and the Linux command line
- Excellent command of written and spoken English
- Willingness to travel for monthly fieldwork in Kiel during the first year and participate in an oceanographic research cruise
- Must hold a completed Master's degree or equivalent qualification by the employment start date
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-12-20 (UTC)
Submit your application through the official university job portal by clicking the apply button. Ensure your submission includes a short motivation letter with an AI-use statement, a concise CV, a copy of your master's thesis, and contact details for two referees.
- Motivation letter
- CV
- Master's thesis
- 2 reference contacts
Contact
Thomas Reinthaler· Project Leader
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.