The Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Institute of Food Technology is currently seeking a

Postgraduate Research Associate
(Reference code: 14)

Responsibilities

• The postdoctoral position in "Fermentation and Biotransformation in Food Technology" covers all aspects of the application of microorganisms in food technology and biotechnology and involves tasks in research, teaching and administration
• The research will focus on the cultivation of microorganisms, the development of fermentation processes and the engineering of microorganisms to process food, produce food ingredients, food additives or food processing aids. A particular focus is put on genetic engineering and recombinant protein production
• In addition to the biotransformations of conventionally used raw materials for food production, an important aspect of our research is the utilization of agricultural and industrial side streams as substrates to increase food security through resource-efficient bioprocesses
• Participation in outreach activities to explain and popularize science for the general public
• Contributions to laboratory management, including onboarding, safety, instrument maintenance, etc. are also expected

Required skills and qualifications

• Doctoral degree/PhD in a relevant natural science field
• Language skills: Fluent in written and spoken English and German
• Cultivation of identification of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms
• Profound knowledge of bioreactors and relevant food processing equipment
• Modern methods in molecular biology for the engineering of proteins and microorganisms
• Skilled in computational methods for the prediction, characterization or modelling of biomolecules
• Analysis of food ingredients, especially HPLC, IC and CE methods and photometric assays
• Good communication skills and high motivation to engage students and the general public
• Experience in teaching of laboratory courses and lectures in English and German
• Proficiency in proposal writing and project management
• Technical expertise in methods from microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioprocess engineering, analytical chemistry, and computational methods for analyzing sequence information and molecular structures is required to perform research tasks
• A background in food science or food technology is required to understand the development of food products, functional food ingredients and plant-based alternatives as well as the analysis of texture, shelf-life and nutritional value
• The ability and motivation to translate basic scientific findings into industrial applications is required to bridge fundamental and applied research and collaborate with industry on R&D projects
• Teaching and educational skills are necessary for supervising laboratory work, tutoring bachelor-, master-, and doctoral candidates, teaching courses and supervising seminars

Desirable skills and qualifications

• High-throughput screening of microorganisms
• Use of microfluidic devices
• Qualifications as a first responder, previous participation in laboratory safety training

Applications can be submitted until: 18th of February 2026

University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna seeks to increase the number of its female faculty and staff members. Therefore qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply. In case of equal qualification, female candidates will be given preference unless reasons specific to an individual male candidate tilt the balance in his favour.

People with disabilities and appropriate qualifications are specifically encouraged to apply.

Please send your job application incl.

• Motivation letter
• CV
• References (contact information of 3 supervisors/mentors)
• Portfolio (acquired knowledge and skills in research, teaching and management)
• Research statement (summary of past and present research as well as future research ideas for this position)

to HR Management, BOKU University, Peter-Jordan-Straße 70, 1190 Vienna; E-Mail: recruiting@boku.ac.at. (Reference code: 14)

We regret that we cannot reimburse applicants travel and lodging expenses incurred as part of the selection and hiring process.