"University Assistant Predoctoral"

University Assistant Predoctoral

52 Faculty of Chemistry
Startdate: 01.05.2026 | Working hours: 30 | Collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)
Reference no.: 5457

Your future workplace is at the Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry. You will become part of Veronika Somoza's research group, where you will find excellent opportunities for research in the fields of food chemistry and sustainable food.

You will work on a project investigating the influence of flavor compounds on oral and extraoral chemosensory systems involved in physiological functions such as metabolic regulation, food intake, and the immune response. The aim is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which taste-active molecules modulate chemoreceptor signaling pathways in various tissues and to link these findings with physiological results. The project combines cutting-edge molecular biological, analytical chemical, and bioinformatic approaches.

The aim is for the successful candidate to be admitted to the Doctoral School for Chemistry (DosChem) at the Faculty of Chemistry of the University of Vienna.

The standard employment contract is for three years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to three years unless the employer submits a non-renewal notice within the first 12 months. With satisfactory performance and outstanding results, an extension to a maximum of four years is possible.

Your future tasks:

They actively participate in research, teaching and administration, which means:

• You are working on your dissertation and its completion.
• We expect you to finalize your dissertation agreement within 12 to 18 months.
• Participation in teaching and independent execution of courses within the framework/scope of the collective agreement provisions.
• They take on administrative tasks in research, teaching and administration.
• They are involved in research projects and scientific studies in the following areas:
  • Analysis of the function of cellular chemoreceptors using molecular biological techniques, including PCR, qPCR, CRISPR/Cas-mediated knockout models, RNA-Seq, fluorescence microscopy and ELISA.
  • Establishment and application of animal and human cell culture systems, including organoid cultures, for the investigation of receptor-ligand interactions and downstream signaling pathways.
  • Comprehensive characterization of flavor compounds using state-of-the-art analytical chemical methods (e.g., LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, HRMS, metabolomics approaches and sensory tests).
  • Bioinformatic analysis and integration of multi-omics datasets (transcriptomics, metabolomics) including path and network analysis.
  • Design and execution of mechanistic in-vitro studies and, where applicable, support of translational approaches in the context of human interventions.

This is part of your personality:

• Master of Science in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Food Chemistry, Nutritional Sciences, or a related discipline
• Strong background in molecular biology, preferably with experience in CRISPR/Cas genome editing and organoid cultures
• Hands-on experience in human cell culture systems
• Knowledge of analytical chemistry techniques (LC-MS, GC-MS) is advantageous
• Interest in flavor science and the application of bioinformatics and systems biology approaches
• Strong analytical thinking skills and ability to work independently as well as in an interdisciplinary team
• Proficiency in English is mandatory. Candidates should be prepared to develop sufficient German language skills to actively participate in the academic environment.
• You should be a team player with high social skills

What we offer:

• Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours and can partially work remotely.
• 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 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) increases if we can credit professional experience.
• Fixed-term contract: The employment duration is 3 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 3 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a declaration of non-extension. With appropriate work progress and excellent performance of the candidate, an extension to a total maximum of 4 years is possible.
• Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

It is that easy to apply:

• With your scientific curriculum vitae / letter of intent
• With your summary of research interests / ideas for a prospective doctoral project proposal (max. 1 Page)
• Copies of Bachelor and Master Degree certificates in German or in certified English translation (including CREDIT TRANSCRIPTS!)
• Contact information of two referees, who have PREVIOUSLY SUPERVISED you in your past research projects
• Via our job portal/ Apply now - button

If you have any questions, please contact:
Veronika Somoza

Application deadline: 04/09/2026