"PhD candidate (Life Sciences)"

At the University of Vienna, over 10,000 people work together on the big questions of the future. Approximately 7,500 of them are academic staff members. These are individuals who, with their curiosity and their continuous pursuit of excellence, engage in international cutting-edge research and teaching. With us, you will also find space to unfold your potential. We are looking for a/an

PhD candidate (Life Sciences)

50 Faculty of Life Sciences
Startdate:02.03.2026 | Working hours:30 | Collective bargaining agreement:§48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)
Limited until:28.02.2030
Reference no.:5202

The advertised position is allocated to the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Vienna. In particular, we offer a position for a university assistant (pre doc) in the Group of Univ.-Prof. Dr. Thomas Hummel at the Department of Neuroscience and Developmental Biology. Our research focuses on the analysis of neuronal networks in the Drosophila brain, and the Hummel team currently consists of postdocs, pre-docs, master students and administrative colleagues who share a common interest in the function of the nervous system.

The selected PhD candidate will be embedded in the VDS CoBeNe, which stands for quality assurance in PhD training and education and promotes inter- and transdisciplinary knowledge exchange. If that sounds like something for you, then we are looking forward to your application!

Your personal sphere of influence:

As a university assistant prae doc, you will take over tasks like:

• Planning and execution of empirical studies.
• Publication of research results in international scientific journals.
• Presentation of research results at national and international conferences.
• Participation in the acquisition of new research projects.
• Participation in the group’s administration and teaching activities.

Your future tasks:

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

• You are involved in research projects and scientific studies.
• You conduct research related to the analysis of neuronal networks in the Drosophila brain.
• You work on your dissertation and its completion.
• You engage in teaching (independent and/or in a team) as defined by the collective agreement.
• You are involved in the organization of meetings, conferences, and symposiums.
• You collaborate with international experts in the field of trauma and traumatic sequelae.
• You participate in the Vienna Doctoral School in Cognition, Behaviour and Neuroscience (VDS CoBeNe).

This is part of your personality:

Must-haves:

• Completed Master's/Diploma degree in the field of biology
• First practice in scientific writing and with molecular-genetic research methods
• Didactic skills / experience in e-learning
• Strong IT user skills, including MS Office and other programs e.g. photoshop
• High-resolution confocal imaging experience
• Basic programming skills
• Excellent knowledge of Drosophila genetics
• Very good ability to explain research methodology and present research findings in a structured way
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Flexibility, willingness to learn and travel
• Excellent command of written and spoken English

Nice to have:

• Knowledge of academic processes and structures
• Teaching experience in courses for Master’s students

What we offer:

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible, family-friendly working hours, remote/hybrid (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 3.776,10 (on a full-time basis, paid 14 times a year) increases if we can credit professional experience.

Contract: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. Job grading in accordance with collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) with relevant work experience determining the assignment to a particular salary grade (Salary scheme).

It is that easy to apply:

• With your scientific curriculum vitae/ letter of intent.
• With the summary of your research interests/ your dissertation concept (max. 2 pages)
• Degree certificates (master's/ diploma)
• Via our job portal / Apply now - button

If you have any questions, please contact:

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Thomas Hummel

thomas.hummel@univie.ac.at

Application deadline: 02/07/2026