You are looking for an opportunity to pursue your doctoral studies in an interdisciplinary environment to solve urgent scientific problems? You like lab work, but you are also interested in computational approaches in data analysis to address a biomedically relevant problem? We are looking forward to your application!

Your personal sphere of influence:

As a university assistant prae doc, you will perform independent research work in the course of your doctoral studies under supervision of Ass.-Prof. Karin Ortmayr, PhD.

In our research group, we investigate the role of cellular metabolism in human cell functions using non-targeted metabolomics and cellular imaging techniques. The main field of research is the role of metabolism in cancer cell quiescence and the problem of cancer recurrence.

Although we tend to think of cancer cells only as rapidly dividing cells, mounting evidence suggests that subpopulations of non-dividing (quiescent) cancer cells can survive chemotherapy and even regrow, contributing to cancer recurrence. Our recent findings show that interfering with cellular metabolism in quiescent cancer cells could be a powerful strategy to reduce the risk for cancer recurrence. In this project, we will investigate the regulatory mechanisms behind the metabolic adaptation that promotes cancer cell quiescence and regrowth in vitro, using CRISPR-Cas9 mediated genetic perturbations, live-cell imaging and mass spectrometry-based non-targeted metabolomics.

Your future tasks:

You actively participate in research, teaching & administration, which means:

• You will build on techniques previously established in our lab and will master cell culture techniques (including time-lapse microscopy) and mass spectrometry-based non-targeted metabolomics.
• You will perform genetic perturbations using CRISPR-Cas9 technology in a high-throughput setting (96-well format).
• You will learn to use computational methods and multivariate statistics to analyze information-rich phenotypic (i.e. cell growth/proliferation) and metabolomics data.
• You will formulate mechanistic hypotheses and experimentally verify links between genetic regulators and metabolic processes.
• You will prepare manuscripts for publications as a first author and is expected to present their work and actively participate in scientific exchanges at local and international scientific meetings and conferences.
• We expect you to finalize your dissertation agreement within 12-18 months.
• You will participate in teaching activities within the provisions of your contract, e.g. supervision of bachelor or master thesis students, and teaching in practical courses at the Division of Pharmacognosy.

This is part of your personality:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biochemistry, (systems) biology, pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology or related fields.
• Interest in cell biology, preferably experience with projects addressing biological research questions.
• Interest in both wetlab- and computational work, basic programming skills are highly appreciated but not mandatory.
• Experience in cell culture work and/or computational data analysis is not strictly required, but preferable.
• Self-driven and motivated attitude, willingness to expose oneself to new fields, techniques & perspectives.
• Open, collaborative and tolerant personality to integrate in a dynamic research environment.
• Fundamental IT user skills, especially spreadsheet calculation.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English (C1 Level), good skills in German are desirable, but not strictly required.

What we offer:

• Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment.
• Opportunity to join the Vienna Doctoral School PhaNuSpo, by which you become part of the community of doctoral students in pharmacy, nutritional sciences and sport sciences. You have the chance to engage in interdisciplinary exchange in common courses, seminars and annual retreats.
• Manifold opportunities for acquiring new skills and personal development.
• Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours and can partially work remotely. 
• 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 3578,80 (on a full-time basis) increases if we can credit professional experience. The position is initially limited to 1 year and can be prolonged to 3 years upon mutual agreement.
• Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

It is that easy to apply:

• With your scientific curriculum vitae, indicating your field of study as well as the topic and supervisor of the master's thesis and other practical experience.
• With a letter of motivation that summarizes your research interests and describes your specific interest in the above-described project as well as your personal aims (max. 2 A4).
• Master Degree or Diploma
• Via our  job portal/ Apply now -  button