The University of Vienna is a community of almost 11,000 individuals, including approximately 7,700 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 

52 Faculty of Chemistry  

Job vacancy starting: 05/01/2026 | Working hours:  30,00  | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) 

Limited contract until: 

Job ID: 5457

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:

Your future workplace is at the Institute of Physiological Chemistry, at the Faculty of Chemistry. You will join Veronika Somoza's research group, where you will find excellent opportunities for research in the fields of food and physiological chemistry.

You will work on a project investigating the impact of flavor compounds on oral and extraoral chemosensory systems involved in physiological functions, e.g., metabolic regulation, food intake and immune response. The aim is to elucidate molecular mechanisms by which flavor-active molecules modulate chemoreceptor signaling pathways in different tissues and to link these findings to physiological outcomes. The project combines state-of-the-art molecular biology, analytical chemistry, and bioinformatics approaches.

The aim is for the successful candidate to be enrolled in the Doctoral School of Chemistry (DosChem) of the Faculty of Chemistry of the University of Vienna: https://doschem.univie.ac.at/

The employment duration is 3 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 3 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a declaration of non-extension. With appropriate work progress and excellent performance of the candidate, an extension to a total maximum of 4 years is possible.

Your future tasks:

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

• You work on your dissertation and its completion.
• We expect you to finalize your dissertation agreement within 12-18 months.
• You hold courses independently within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
• You take on administrative tasks in research, teaching and administration.
• You are involved in research projects and scientific studies in the area of:

- Analysis of cellular chemoreceptor function using molecular biology techniques, including PCR, qPCR, CRISPR/Cas-mediated knock-out models, RNA-Seq, fluorescence microscopy and ELISA.

- Establishment and application of animal and human cell culture systems including organoids, to investigate receptor-ligand interactions and downstream signaling pathways

- Comprehensive characterization of flavor compounds using state-of-the-art analytical chemistry methods (e.g., LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, HRMS, metabolomics approaches and sensory trials)

- Bioinformatic analysis and integration of multi-omics datasets (transcriptomics, metabolomics) including pathway and network analysis

- Design and conduct mechanistic in vitro studies and, where applicable, support translational approaches to evaluate physiological relevance, human intervention studies

This is part of your personality:

• Master of Science in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Food Chemistry, Nutritional Sciences, or a related discipline
• Strong background in molecular biology, preferably with experience in CRISPR/Cas genome editing and organoid cultures
• Hands-on experience in human cell culture systems
• Knowledge of analytical chemistry techniques (LC-MS, GC-MS) is advantageous
• Interest in flavor science and the application of bioinformatics and systems biology approaches
• Strong analytical thinking skills and ability to work independently as well as in an interdisciplinary team
• Proficiency in English is mandatory. Candidates should be prepared to develop sufficient German language skills to actively participate in the academic environment.
• You should be a team player with high social skills

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 3.776,10 (on a full-time basis) increases if we can credit professional experience.
• Fixed-term contract: The employment duration is 3 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 3 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a declaration of non-extension. With appropriate work progress and excellent performance of the candidate, an extension to a total maximum of 4 years is possible.
• Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

It is that easy to apply:

• With your scientific curriculum vitae / letter of intent
• With your summary of research interests / ideas for a prospective doctoral project proposal (max. 1 Page)
• Copies of Bachelor and Master Degree certificates in German or in certified English translation (including CREDIT TRANSCRIPTS!)
• Contact information of two referees, who have PREVIOUSLY SUPERVISED you in your past research projects
• Via our job portal/ Apply now -  button

If you have any questions, please contact:

Veronika Somoza  

veronika.somoza@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.

University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.

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​Application deadline: 04/09/2026