University Assistant postdoctoral

Universität Wien

Job description:

The University of Vienna is a community of almost 11,000 individuals, including approximately 7,700 academic staff members, who passionately pursue answers to the profound questions that shape our future. Fueled by curiosity and a deep sense of duty, they contribute invaluable insights to research and teaching, enriching our society. Are you inspired and driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact? We are currently seeking a/an

University Assistant postdoctoral

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 play:

The Wanninger Lab is hiring a Postdoc in Invertebrate Evolution with a focus on either comparative morphology, EvoDevo, or phylogenomics. We are a dynamic, international group situated in the recently built University of Vienna Biology Building (UBB) with new labs to perform top-notch molecular, morphological, and -omics related research. Additional infrastructure includes animal care facilities to maintain and rear aquatic and terrestrial animals as well as access to sequencing facilities, high-end computer clusters, and an imaging and electron microscopy core facility. 
Research in our group covers diverse invertebrate lineages, with particular strengths in spiralian taxa. The successful candidate is expected to work on mollusks, a core target taxon of our lab for which a wide range of molecular resources and established lab protocols are available. Previous experience with these animals is not required, but candidates should have a strong interest in working with little-investigated, aquatic, non-model invertebrate animals.
The position offers substantial intellectual freedom for developing an independent research profile within the lab’s broader focus. Projects may address questions in evolutionary developmental biology, morphological evolution, comparative genomics, or other related topics, depending on the candidate’s interests. The postdoc will work within an active research group and will have opportunities for collaboration with current team members on ongoing and emerging projects.
The position is available immediately. While we aim for a start date at around May 1st, 2026, this is somewhat flexible and can be negotiated with the PI. The position is fully funded for six years.

Your future tasks:

The successful candidate will work in the group of the PI, Prof. Andreas Wanninger. Within the overall framework and research foci of the Wanninger lab, the PostDoc may work relatively independently. Projects will be developed jointly with the PI; significant input from the candidate is highly desired. The position offers opportunities to supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s students, lead small project teams, and contribute to curriculum development.
The job includes active participation in research, teaching, and administration. This involves:

• Develop and conduct independent research in conjunction with the PI and other group members
• Draft/write scientific papers
• Publish in established international, peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Present at international scientific conferences, meetings, and workshops
• Share own knowledge with other members of the group and the Department
• Contribute to introducing new lab members and students to scientific methods
• Contribute to the teaching portfolio of the Department
• Independent teaching of courses. Teaching load will follow standard Uni Vienna guidelines as defined by the collective agreement. Courses can be taught in English. The postdoc may develop and teach courses aligned

   with their expertise, in consultation with the PI and curriculum coordinators.
• Participate in evaluation measures and quality assurance

This is part of your personality:

• The successful applicant must hold a PhD in Biology or a related discipline.
• Postdoctoral research experience is an advantage but not mandatory.
• Applicants should have experience with designing research projects and with composing scientific manuscripts.
• The scientific profile and technical expertise should include at least one (ideally several) of the following approaches to evolutionary questions:
       • Molecular biology, developmental biology, bioinformatics techniques (e.g., qualitative and quantitative gene expression analysis, transcriptomics). 
       • Morphological and imaging approaches (e.g., confocal microscopy, electron microscopy, histology, 3D reconstruction).
       • Comparative and computational evolutionary biology (phylogenomics, orthology inference, molecular evolution, biostatistics).
• An interest in working with non-model aquatic invertebrates is essential.

What we offer:

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours, remote/hybrid and/or part-time work (upon agreement).

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment. The position is based in the new Biology Building (UBB), housing multiple research groups, state-of-the-art imaging facilities, and shared molecular laboratories.

Good public transport connections: Your workplace in the center of beautiful Vienna 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.

Fixed-term contract and fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 4.932,90 (14 times a year) for a period of 6 years increases if we can credit professional experience.

Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

It is that easy to apply:

•    Applications must include an updated CV
•    A list of publications is required
•    Please provide the contact details of three potential referees
•    Please include a concise letter of motivation (no more than 3 A4 pages) outlining major research interests
•    Please include a concise summary of methodological and other relevant expertise
•    Via our job portal/ Apply now - button

If you have any questions, please contact:

Andreas Wanninger  

andreas.wanninger@univie.ac.at

We look forward to new personalities in our team! 
The University of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance to equal opportunities, the advancement of women and diversity. We place particular emphasis on enhancing women’s representation among the academic and general university staff, particularly in leadership roles, and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.

University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.

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​Application deadline: 01/31/2026 

Apply now