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. Fueled by curiosity and a deep sense of duty, they contribute invaluable insights to research and teaching, enriching our society. Are you inspired and driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact? We are currently seeking a/an

University assistant predoctoral 

50 Faculty of Life Sciences  

Job vacancy starting: 12/01/2025 | Working hours:  30,00  | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) 

Limited contract until: 11/30/2029

Job ID: 4822

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!

Your personal sphere of influence:

The research group of Prof. Dr. Kristin Tessmar-Raible, Chronobiology, Department of  Neuroscience and Developmental Biology at the University of Vienna, is looking for support of research projects in the thematic field of GABAergic neural network function and evolution in the specific context of circalunar and circadian clocks in marine invertebrates. We are an interdisciplinary research team working at the interfaces of neuroscience, chronobiology and evolution. We build on a good working atmosphere, close collaboration with our students, self-dependent involvement, and coordination of research projects.

Your future tasks:

You will be responsible for scientific research, as well as conceptualization and coordination of studies focusing on the function of the circalunar and circadian oscillator with a particular focus on the intersection of inhibitory (GABAergic) and excitatory neural circuits building on existing large scale RNAseq datasets. Participation in paper writing and publication is expected. In addition, participation in teaching and examinations within the requirements of the collective agreement is expected. The successful candidate is expected to finalize a dissertation agreement within 6-12 months. The position is intended to lead to a PhD thesis, typically in form of cumulative publications.

This is part of your personality:

• Must-haves:

  • Master’s degree or equivalent in Biochemistry, experience with neuroscience- and light sensory related topics
  • Passed entry examinations into the Vienna Biocenter PhD Programme
  • Experience with RNA sequencing data from complex tissues (ideally including nervous system)
  • Experience with data analyses using chronobiological algorithms (e.g. RAIN, Metacycle)
  • High level of both spoken and written English (official certificate not required)
  • High interest in molecular and neural networks (with a focus on GABA) that are functionally relevant in daily and monthly timing and their evolution

  Nice to have:

  • • Very good ability to present and process research questions in a structured way
    • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
    • Publications or basic experience in scientific work and research methods
    • Teaching experience
    • Knowledge of academic processes and structures
    • Experience outside Austria (research, study, or both)
    • High interpersonal skills
    • Ability to work independently and showing a high level of motivation for research

What we offer:

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment, and will also be integrated into the Cluster of Excellence Neural Circuits in Health and Disease.

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 upon employment is 4 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 4 years unless the employer issues a declaration of non-renewal within the first 12 months.

It is that easy to apply:

• With your academic CV and brief letter of intent
• Proof of completed Master’s or Diploma degree
• Via our job portal / Apply Now button

If you have any questions, please contact:

Kristin Teßmar-Raible  

kristin.tessmar-raible@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 place particular emphasis on enhancing women’s representation among the academic and general university staff, particularly in leadership roles, and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.

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​Application deadline: 11/15/2025