The laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, seeks candidate for a PhD position (4 years) to join the recently funded research platform MetaBac (website coming up soon).

The platform, funded by the University of Vienna, aims to study the bacterial community associated with a fresh-water bryozoan using state-of-the art approaches, including comprehensive metagenomics, metatranscriptomics and cultivation and co-cultivation of a wide range of bacteria. The main objective of the platform is to develop a robust approach to creating defined, fully tractable bacterial communities that produce novel secondary metabolites with potential in drug discovery.

The candidate must have a Master degree in microbiology or related field, supported by proven practical experience in isolation and cultivation of bacteria. Experience in analytical techniques aimed at detection and identification of secondary metabolites (e.g. HPLC, LC-MS, NMR) and bioassays would be considered an advantage.

The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science and the Faculty of Chemistry. The selection procedure, most of the training activities and communication with team members will be in English. Thus, excellent written and spoken English skills are required. Good knowledge of German would be a definite plus.

Applications can be made via the JobCenter of the University of Vienna