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

University Assistant Predoctoral 

52 Faculty of Chemistry  

Job vacancy starting: 08/01/2025 | Working hours: 30.00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) 

Limited contract until: 07/31/2028

Job ID: 4281

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where more than 7,500 academics thrive on curiosity in continuous exploration and help us better understand our world. Does this sound like you? Then join our accomplished team!

This position is embedded within the Cluster of Excellence Circular Bioengineering, which is revolutionizing how we think about sustainable production. By combining bioengineering, materials science, and chemistry, the cluster aims to develop innovative, closed-loop material cycles for zero-waste production and maximal resource efficiency.

At the heart of the cluster, three interconnected research pillars drive innovation:

• Sustainable Natural Resource Utilization
• Microbial and Enzymatic Conversion
• Process Circularity

Your personal sphere of influence:

As an university assistant prae doc, you will join the Biochemical Network Analysis group, led by Jürgen Zanghellini. The team focuses on mathematical modeling, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing to study metabolic networks and optimize microbes for biotechnological applications.

The PhD project aims to predict the optimal compartmentalization of a production pathway to improve metabolic performance. By allocating specific reactions to distinct cellular compartments, we seek to optimize thermodynamic properties, enhance reaction efficiency, and minimize energy losses. The approach leverages compartmentalization to isolate engineered pathways, concentrate substrates and enzymes, and protect the cell from toxic intermediates.

Your future tasks:

You actively participate in research, teaching & administration, which means:

• You develop computational tools for designing optimal synthetic communities and modularized production units within microbes.
• You create software solutions and data processing pipelines for computational modeling, including data analysis and preparation of results for publication.
• You sign a doctoral thesis agreement within 12-18 months and complete your thesis within the duration of the contract.
• You work on your dissertation and its completion.
• You hold courses independently within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
• You contribute to the organization of meetings, conferences, and symposiums as required.
• You take on and assist with administrative tasks in research, teaching and administration.

This is part of your personality:

• A completed Master's degree in Data Science, Physics, Chemistry, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, or a related field.
• Strong programming skills in Python, R, or similar languages.
• Experience with applying AI (ideally) to metabolic modeling is desired.
• Research expertise and proactive approach.
• A collaborative mindset and effective teamwork skills.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to precision and diligence.

What we offer:

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours and can partially work remotely. 

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 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) increases if we can credit professional experience.

Duration of contract: The contract duration is 3 years with a preliminary limitation of 1,5 years and will automatically be extended to 3 years unless the employer hands in a non-extension declaration after 12 months. An extension up to a total of 4 years is then possible, provided the excellent performance of the candidate.

Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

It is that easy to apply:

• Letter of Motivation: Explain your interest in the position and relevant experience.
• Academic CV: Include a list of publications, courses taught, and talks given.
• Research Interests: Describe your research interests and future research agenda.
• References: Provide contact details of individuals who can provide letters of reference.
• Via our job portal/ Apply now - button.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Jürgen Zanghellini  

juergen.zanghellini@univie.ac.at

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.

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​Application deadline: 07/19/2025