Postdoc marine evolutionary genomics

Postdoc marine evolutionary genomics

50 Faculty of Life Sciences
Startdate:2026-06-01T00:00:00Z | Working hours:40 | Collective bargaining agreement:§48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc)
Reference no.:5443

Your personal sphere of play:

The Postdoc position is embedded in an active and stimulating research environment at the University of Vienna. Located in the Marine Ecology group in the Department of Functional & Evolutionary Ecology, the position will contribute to our research and teaching in the fields of marine evolutionary genomics and climate change adaptation. University-internal structures and programs, such as the Vienna Doctoral School of Ecology & Evolution (VDSEE), the Environment and Climate Research Hub as well as research platforms support the qualitative education of students as well as scientific collaboration with colleagues at the University of Vienna in an interdisciplinary manner.

Your field of activity:

The successful candidate will work with colleagues in the Marine Ecology group led by Frank Melzner and a larger network of European scientists to understand genomic targets of selection to heat stress in mytilid mussels. The research aims to better understand, whether heat resistant populations already populate European coasts (from Portugal to the Arctic) in microhabitats characterized by higher average temperatures. Ultimately, the work will contribute to assessing the potential of mussel populations to track climate change velocity along European coasts, with implications for coastal zone management and environmental conservation. The successful candidate will closely cooperate with ecologists and physiologists, so that heat resistant genotypes can be phenotyped in detail and is expected to participate in field sampling expeditions. The successful candidate is expected to raise external funding and contribute to teaching & will be given enough time and freedom to develop her/his own research profile. Ideally, the successful candidate will generate ideas and preliminary work to support an application for an Austrian FWF Astra award or European ERC grant.

Your future tasks:

Active participation in research and teaching, which means:

• You analyze genomes of mytilid mussels and identify targets of heat selection
• You cooperate with physiologists and ecologists to link phenotypes and biotic interactions in the field to genotypes
• You participate in field sampling campaigns
• You lead and participate in scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international meetings.
• You write proposals to obtain additional funds from FWF, EU and other funding agencies
• You (co-)supervise Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral students in Marine Biology.
• You take on tasks in teaching as well as evaluation procedures.

This is part of your personality:

You must have:

• Ph.D. in genomics, evolutionary biology or related field
• Experience assembling and analysing chromosome-level genomes
• Experience identifying genomic targets of selection
• Excellent molecular biology lab skills
• Excellent bioinformatic skills
• At least one peer-reviewed publication in evolutionary genomics as first author

Desirable skills:

• Supervision and teaching experience
• Experience with mollusc genomics or marine animal genomics
• Experience with field work in intertidal habitats
• Experience with nanopore sequencing and High-C protocols
• Good organisational skills
• Presentation experience in an international setting
• Science outreach experience
• Track record of working internationally in cross-cultural settings

What we offer:

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours, remote/hybrid and/or part-time work (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.

Fixed-term contract and fair salary:The basic salary of EUR 5.014,30 (14 times a year) increases if we can credit professional experience.

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

It is that easy to apply:

Please prepare your application as a single PDF file which includes:

• CV including a list of publications
• A cover letter stating your motivation & career goals
• Doctoral/PhD degree certificate
• Contact information for at least 2 referees (can be added in the CV)
• Please apply via our job portal / Apply now button

If you have any questions, please contact:

Frank Melzner
frank.melzner@univie.ac.at

Application deadline: 04/07/2026