Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where over 7,500 brilliant minds have found a unique balance of freedom and support. Join us if you’re passionate about groundbreaking international research and academic excellence. Ready to be part of our team? Let’s shape the future together!

Your personal sphere of influence:

We invite applications for two PhD positions in the Institute of Materials Chemistry & Research, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, associated with the Green Cycles of Renewable Materials program of the FWF-funded Cluster of Excellence – Circular Bioengineering. These positions will focus on the development of sustainable bio-based materials and biorefinery processes with emphasis on bio-derived porous organic polymers for separation and storage applications or fungal biorefinery approaches for the conversion of biomass into valuable materials.
Successful candidates will work at the interface of polymer chemistry, biotechnology, and environmental engineering, contributing to the development of next-generation bio-based materials.

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, an extension to a total maximum of 4 years is possible.

Your future tasks:

As part of our research team, you will participate in research, teaching, and administrative activities. Specifically, you will:

• Develop and optimise bio-derived materials, including porous polymers or mycelium composites.
• Investigate adsorption-based separation and storage applications (CO₂ capture, water purification, energy storage etc.) or explore fungal enzymatic degradation and upcycling of biomass into functional nanomaterials.
• Characterise materials using advanced techniques.
• Publish research findings in leading journals and present at international conferences.
• Collaborate with academic and industrial partners within the Circular Bioengineering cluster.
• Finalize your dissertation agreement within 12-18 months.
• Work on your dissertation and its completion.
• Participate in teaching activities, including supervising student projects and assisting in laboratory courses.
• Hold courses independently to the extent of the provisions of the collective agreement.
• Take on adminstrative tasks in research and teaching.

This is part of your personality:

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or related fields.
• Experience in polymer synthesis, material characterisation, or fungal cultivation.
• Strong analytical skills, including chemical, morphological, surface, and mechanical analysis.
• Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment.
• Excellent communication skills in both German and English (written and spoken).

Desirable Expertise:

• Familiarity with bio-based substrates (e.g., lignin, tannins).
• Knowledge of porous organic polymers and adsorption-based applications.

What we offer:

• Work-life balance: Flexible working hours.
• Inspiring working atmosphere: Be part of an international team in a dynamic research environment.
• Excellent laboratory facilities and working environment.
• Good public transport connections: The University of Vienna, in the heart of Vienna, is easily accessible.
• Internal training & coaching: Access to 600+ professional development courses at no cost.
• Fair salary: Basic salary: The basic salary of EUR 3,714,80 (on a full-time basis) increases if we can credit professional experience.
• Fixed-term contract: The employment duration is 3 years. Initially 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, an extension to a total maximum of 4 years is possible.
• Equal opportunities for all: We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

It is that easy to apply:

Please submit the following documents:

• Letter of Motivation: Explain your interest in the position and relevant experience.
• Academic CV: Include a list of publications, courses taught, and conference presentations.
• Research Interests: Describe your research focus and future research goals.
• References: Provide contact details of individuals who can provide letters of reference.
• Via our job portal / Apply now button (Jobcenter University Vienna)