The University of Vienna is a community of over 10,000 individuals, including approximately 7,500 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
91 Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science
Job vacancy starting: 09/01/2025 (MM-DD-YYYY) | Working hours: 30.00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)
Limited contract until: 08/31/2029
Job ID: 4241
Among the many good reasons to want to research and teach at the University of Vienna, there is one in particular, which has convinced around 7,500 academic staff members so far. They see themselves as personalities who need space for their continuous striving and curiosity in order to be able to be scientifically successful. Does that sound like something for you? Welcome to our team!
Your personal sphere of play:
The Department of Environmental Geosciences (EDGE) of the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental System Science is looking for highly motivated member to join its international team and to pursue a PhD degree. We offer an interdisciplinary scientific environment, cutting-edge laboratories and a creative working atmosphere.
The research group has extensive expertise in processes that modify the speciation, mobility and availability of trace metals in the environment. The understanding, elucidation and thermodynamic and kinetic description of these processes require a solid foundation in redox chemistry, coordination chemistry, isotope geochemistry and biogeochemistry of metals as well as the surface chemistry of minerals.
Your future tasks:
We expect the successful candidate to sign a doctoral thesis agreement within 12-18 months within the Doctoral School in Microbiology and Environmental Science and to participate in research, teaching, and administration throughout the employment. Specifically:
- participation in research projects on chromium chemistry speciation in soils and plants and the impact of agricultural fires on its mobility;
- publication and presentation of research in international top journals and conferences;
- teaching as defined by the collective agreement;
- supervision of students.
- an M.Sc. degree in earth sciences or closely related fields
- your successfully completed M.Sc. or B.Sc. curriculum should include a strong education in chemistry;
- advanced knowledge in environmental trace metal chemistry (including thermodynamic modelling);
- specific knowledge on interactions between plants and trace metals (e.g. rhizosphere chemistry, plant uptake of metals, phytotoxic effects of metals);
- experience in trace metal analytics;
- familiarity with mineral (surface-)chemistry;
What we offer:
Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible, family-friendly working hours, remote/hybrid and/or part-time work (upon agreement).
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 in the center of beautiful Vienna 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 3.714,80 (on a full-time basis, 2025 salary) increases if we can credit professional experience.
Equal opportunities for everyone: We look forward to diverse personalities in the team!
The employment duration is 4 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 4 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a non-extension declaration.
How to apply:
Application documents should include:
- letter of motivation
- academic curriculum vitae
- master degree or expected date of graduation
If you have any questions, please contact:
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 lay special emphasis on increasing the number of women in senior and in academic positions among the academic and general university staff 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: 08/29/2025
