Department of Microbiology - Job Opportunities

PhD position available: working group Microbial Resource Management

We look forward to receiving applications for a PhD position at our FWF-funded research project, "Firing up anaerobic digestion – a high-res temperature assay" (Temp4AD) https://www.fwf.ac.at/forschungsradar/10.55776/PAT8887124 . This project aims to enhance the efficiency and stability of anaerobic digestion systems by assessing the effects of temperature on a fed-batch lab-scale system across a broad temperature range (34 °C to 61 °C).

The PhD position is planned for 3 years and includes a workload of 30 h/week. The minimum gross salary for this position, that is in accordance with FWF-guidelines, amounts to € 2392,48 / month.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct laboratory experiments, including reactor operation and gas measurements.
• Perform molecular analyses such as DNA extraction, sequencing and dPCR.
• Analyze data using bioinformatics tools.
• Publish findings in SCI-journals and present results at conferences.

Prerequisites:

• Master's degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, or related field.
• Background in anaerobic digestion, microbial ecology, or bioenergy research.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques (DNA, RNA, Proteomics).
• Experience with statistical data analysis and bioinformatics tools.
• Good teamwork skills

Desired:

• Experience in biogas research or renewable energy projects.
• Knowledge of statistical software and high-performance computing.
• Good communication skills in English.
• Readiness for mobility, as part of the analyses will take place at the research facilities of our project collaborator (Germany).

Administrative unit

Working group Microbial Resource Management, Institute of Microbiology, Universität Innsbruck (Austria)

Written applications should be submitted to Sabine.Podmirseg@uibk.ac.at by March 31st.

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to our dynamic research team!

Universitätsassistent:in - Dissertationsstelle

Your tasks:

• Dissertation in the field of microbial diversity in terrestrial ecosystems
• Independent research
• Writing of scientific publications
• Independent teaching and collaboration in the supervision of students if necessary
• Administrative tasks
• Training and further education

Your profile:

• A relevant Master's, Magister or Diplom degree
• Sound knowledge in the field of microbial diversity in natural habitats
• Experience with molecular methods and microbiological techniques
• Knowledge of metataxonomic / metagenomic methods and corresponding data analyses
• Further desirable are: experience in the field of soil microbiology and extensive statistical knowledge, experience in writing scientific publications, very good written and spoken English, good knowledge of German or the willingness to learn German, communication skills and team spirit, highly motivated and committed, as well as a sense of responsibility and independence.

Start date/duration:

• from 15.02.2025
• for 4 years

All details (requirements, application)

If you have any questions about the tender, please contact:

Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr. Paul Illmer
Phone: 0043 512 507 51340
Email: paul.illmer@uibk.ac.at

UPSHIFT: International Joint Project

Work with us:Within the international joint project UPSHIFT- Effects of air pressure on UPwards SHIFTing alpine ecosystems, we are looking for dedicated team members.

Depending on your plans, you can either work as a project employee or even undertake a PhD.

Key information:

• Tasks:Analysis of complex environmental data and sequencing results, and writing of scientific manuscripts or publications
• Prerequisite: Masters in Microbiology, Ecology, Soil Science or an equivalent qualification
• Start: As soon as possible from August 2024
• Duration: Up to 1.5 years
• Contact: Nadine Präg, M.Sc. PhD (Nadine.Praeg@uibk.ac.at) or Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr. Paul Illmer (Paul.Illmer@uibk.ac.at)

Contact the potential supervisor directly by email to discuss the possibility of employment or undertaking a PhD under their supervision. 

Further information: Position in Upshift Project Ausschreibung