"University Assistant Postdoctoral - Group Leader in Organic Chemistry (Young Investigator)"

Your personal sphere of play:

We invite applications for the position of a Group Leader in Organic Chemistry (Young Investigator) at the Institute of Organic Chemistry, within the Bonifazi research group, at the Faculty of Chemistry. The successful candidate will assume a scientifically central role within the research group, contributing to core research and teaching activities while developing an independent research profile.The position is designed for an early-career organic chemist with a focus on synthetic organic chemistry. The Group Leader will be fully integrated into the scientific, educational, and organizational activities of the host research group and the Institute of Organic Chemistry. The Group Leader is expected to actively support the research group through student supervision, contributions to research grant applications, and participation in scientific and strategic planning, while pursuing their own research. The position provides a structured, supportive framework for developing scientific independence, with the clear objective of establishing an autonomous research direction by the end of the contract period. Full scientific, infrastructural, and mentoring support is provided to facilitate career development, leadership training, and the transition toward independence.

Your future tasks:

Active participation in research, teaching and administration, which means:

• Collaborative and independent research in organic synthesis: Develop and pursue an original research program focused on new organic reactivity, synthetic methodology, and the synthesis of complex molecular architectures, while actively contributing to the host research group's scientific activities.
• Student supervision and mentoring: Co-supervise bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students within the research group, providing close scientific guidance, regular feedback, and structured mentoring in modern organic chemistry.
• Research grant applications and funding strategy: Actively contribute to the preparation and submission of joint research grant applications and progressively develop independent funding proposals, supported through mentoring and strategic guidance within the group.
• Development of leadership and management skills: Gradually assume responsibility in coordinating scientific projects, supervising junior researchers, and contributing to group organization, with the explicit aim of developing academic leadership, mentoring, and project-management skills.
• Teaching contributions: Holding courses independently or in teams within the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement. Participate in teaching activities of the Institute of Organic Chemistry at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, including lectures, exercises, and laboratory courses in organic chemistry.
• Scientific dissemination and visibility: Publish research results in high-quality peer-reviewed journals and actively participate in national and international conferences and scientific networks.
• Academic integration and collegial engagement: Contribute to a respectful, collaborative, and inclusive working environment within the research group and the Institute of Organic Chemistry.

This is part of your personality:

• Completed doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in organic synthesis.
• A maximum of one postdoctoral research experience in an internationally visible academic research environment.
• Demonstrated excellence in one or more of the following fields: organic synthesis, development of new reactions, methodology, multi-step synthesis, or synthesis of complex molecular architectures.
• Clear scientific interest in developing new reactivity and innovative synthetic concepts in organic chemistry to construct complex architectures.
• Proven ability to conduct independent research, combined with a strong willingness to integrate into an established research group.
• Initial experience in, or strong motivation to acquire, third-party funding for academic research.
• Strong organizational, communication, and mentoring skills.
• High level of commitment, reliability, and ability to work collaboratively in an academic environment.

What we offer:

The Group Leader position is fully embedded within the Bonifazi Research Group and the Institute of Organic Chemistry and is explicitly designed to support the development of scientific independence and academic leadership. The successful candidate will receive close mentoring, access to research infrastructure, and strategic support for grant writing, supervision, and career planning. The overarching goal is that, after a few years, the candidate will be well-positioned to pursue an independent academic career.

• Work-life balance: Flexible working hours and the possibility of remote/hybrid work when compatible with operational requirements.
• Inspiring working atmosphere: Integration into an international academic environment characterized by collegiality, appreciation, and a respectful working culture.
• 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. The position is planned for a duration of 6 years.
• Equal opportunities for all:The University of Vienna is committed to the principles of equal opportunities and diversity. We particularly encourage applications from women and from candidates belonging to underrepresented groups, in accordance with the University’s equal opportunities policy.

It is that easy to apply:

• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Letter of motivation/statement of intent
• Description of relevant expertise and experience with a summary of previous major research achievements (Max. two pages)
• List of publications
• PDF copy of the three most important research papers
• Summary of future research ideas (max. two pages)
• Proof of doctoral degree
• Contact details of at least two referees who can provide references
• Via our job portal, apply now - button!

If you have any questions, please contact:

Davide Bonifazi
davide.bonifazi@univie.ac.at