"Tenure Track Professor of Functional Culturomics in Microbiome Research"

Das Diagnostik & Forschungsinstitut für Hygiene, Mikrobiologie und Umweltmedizin sucht eine/n

Tenure Track Professor of Functional Culturomics in Microbiome Research

Kennzahl: DFI-HYGIE-2026-003721

Bewerbungsfrist: 14.05.2026

We are looking for an excellent researcher with great potential to develop an internationally recognized research agenda in the field of functional culturomics. The strategic research field “Microbiome and Infection” at the Medical University of Graz focuses on the human microbiome and its interaction with its host. Following a systems biology framework, we have developed a research pipeline spanning (clinical) microbiome profiling, functional experimentation, and predictive in silico modeling. Our success is reflected in high-impact publications, strong third-party funding (FWF, EU, ERC), and international scientific visibility. Within the Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, we aim to functionally understand key microbial species and communities that shape ecosystem stability and human health. One particularly novel strength is the combination of advanced anaerobic cultivation with multi-omics functional analysis. State-of-the-art infrastructure across the institutes and research facilities provides cutting-edge anaerobic cultivation platforms, a high-throughput single-cell dispenser, advanced computational resources, and access to excellent core facilities. These resources are embedded in a strong international network of academic and industry partners that includes the FWF “MicroPlanet” and “MetAGE” Clusters of Excellence, creating an ideal environment for an outstanding researcher to establish an internationally visible program in Functional Culturomics. The initial appointment is limited to six years. After the conclusion of a qualification agreement, the career advancement goal is to transfer to a tenured position as an associate professor (tenure track professor pursuant to § 99 para. 5 and 6 of the Universities Act). If the candidate demonstrates outstanding and remarkable achievements, the qualification agreement may be fulfilled more quickly.

Ihre Aufgaben in dieser Position beinhalten:

• Conducting cutting-edge research in the field of Functional Culturomics with a focus on the cultivation, isolation, and physiological characterization of human keystone microorganisms in pure cultures or natural/synthetic communities
• Producing high-quality scientific publications on a regular basis in the field of microbiology, microbiome, and/or infection research
• Leading an internationally recognized research group and acquiring third-party funding
• Networking through national and international research collaborations
• Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, supervising diploma and PhD students, and mentoring and promoting young researchers
• Supporting scientific and public outreach in the research area

Für diese Position bringen Sie folgende Qualifikationen und Kenntnisse mit:

• PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in microbiology or a related field
• Profound research expertise in the field of microbiome research, microbial cultivation, and microbial physiology
• Proven track record of high-quality publications and peer-reviewed research grants or other third-party funding as a lead or principal investigator
• Experience in leading a research group
• Previous experience in teaching and/or (co)supervising pre- and postgraduate students
• Postdoctoral research fellowship abroad or at a different institution than where the PhD was completed
• High level of proficiency in both written and spoken English (equivalent to proficiency level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)

Idealerweise zählen zu Ihrem Profil:

• Expertise in anaerobic microorganisms
• Team player able to motivate colleagues and students
• Responsible work habits and problem-solving skills
• Empathy as well as communication and social skills
• Management and leadership skills
• Gender and diversity skills

Eintrittsdatum: 25.03.2026

befristet auf 6 Jahre
initially limited to 6 years, becoming a tenured position when the qualification agreement is met

Beschäftigungsausmaß: 100%

Einstufung in die Verwendungsgruppe A2 nach Kollektivvertrag für ArbeitnehmerInnen der Universitäten.

Application: The Medical University of Graz invites all applicants to submit their application online by May 14, 2026. Please note that we can only consider complete applications that have been received by the application deadline. A list of the documents to be submitted can be found here.

Statutory information: The minimum remuneration is based on the collective agreement for university employees (KV § 49.2).

Scheduled date for job interview: July 2, 2026 at the Medical University of Graz

The Medical University of Graz is committed to increasing the proportion of women in management positions at universities in Austria and encourages qualified women to apply. Among applicants with equal qualifications, female applicants will be given priority. We also welcome applications from qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage them to apply.