University assistant predoctoral

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

50 Faculty of Life Sciences

Job vacancy starting: 02/03/2025 (MM-DD-YYYY) | Working hours: 30,00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)

Limited contract until: 02/02/2026

Job ID: 3326

You are looking for an opportunity to pursue your doctoral studies in an interdisciplinary environment to solve urgent scientific problems? You like lab work, but you are also interested in computational approaches in data analysis to address a biomedically relevant problem? We are looking forward to your application!

As a university assistant prae doc, you will perform independent research work in the course of your doctoral studies under supervision of Ass.-Prof. Karin Ortmayr, PhD.

In our research group, we investigate the role of cellular metabolism in human cell functions using non-targeted metabolomics and cellular imaging techniques. The main field of research is the role of metabolism in cancer cell quiescence and the problem of cancer recurrence.

Although we tend to think of cancer cells only as rapidly dividing cells, mounting evidence suggests that subpopulations of non-dividing (quiescent) cancer cells can survive chemotherapy and even regrow, contributing to cancer recurrence. Our recent findings show that interfering with cellular metabolism in quiescent cancer cells could be a powerful strategy to reduce the risk for cancer recurrence. In this project, we will investigate the regulatory mechanisms behind the metabolic adaptation that promotes cancer cell quiescence and regrowth in vitro, using CRISPR-Cas9 mediated genetic perturbations, live-cell imaging and mass spectrometry-based non-targeted metabolomics.

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

• You will build on techniques previously established in our lab and will master cell culture techniques (including time-lapse microscopy) and mass spectrometry-based non-targeted metabolomics.
• You will perform genetic perturbations using CRISPR-Cas9 technology in a high-throughput setting (96-well format).
• You will learn to use computational methods and multivariate statistics to analyze information-rich phenotypic (i.e. cell growth/proliferation) and metabolomics data.
• You will formulate mechanistic hypotheses and experimentally verify links between genetic regulators and metabolic processes.
• You will prepare manuscripts for publications as a first author and is expected to present their work and actively participate in scientific exchanges at local and international scientific meetings and conferences.
• We expect you to finalize your dissertation agreement within 12-18 months.
• You will participate in teaching activities within the provisions of your contract, e.g. supervision of bachelor or master thesis students, and teaching in practical courses at the Division of Pharmacognosy.

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biochemistry, (systems) biology, pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology or related fields.
• Interest in cell biology, preferably experience with projects addressing biological research questions.
• Interest in both wetlab- and computational work, basic programming skills are highly appreciated but not mandatory.
• Experience in cell culture work and/or computational data analysis is not strictly required, but preferable.
• Self-driven and motivated attitude, willingness to expose oneself to new fields, techniques & perspectives.
• Open, collaborative and tolerant personality to integrate in a dynamic research environment.
• Fundamental IT user skills, especially spreadsheet calculation.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English (C1 Level), good skills in German are desirable, but not strictly required.

• Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment.
• Opportunity to join the Vienna Doctoral School PhaNuSpo, by which you become part of the community of doctoral students in pharmacy, nutritional sciences and sport sciences. You have the chance to engage in interdisciplinary exchange in common courses, seminars and annual retreats.
• Manifold opportunities for acquiring new skills and personal development.
• Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours and can partially work remotely.
• 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 3578,80 (on a full-time basis) increases if we can credit professional experience. The position is initially limited to 1 year and can be prolonged to 3 years upon mutual agreement.
• Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

• With your scientific curriculum vitae, indicating your field of study as well as the topic and supervisor of the master's thesis and other practical experience.
• With a letter of motivation that summarizes your research interests and describes your specific interest in the above-described project as well as your personal aims (max. 2 A4).
• Master Degree or Diploma
• Via our job portal/ Apply now - button

Karin Ortmayr

karin.ortmayr@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.

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​Application deadline: 12/31/2024 (MM-DD-YYYY)