As Austria's largest research and technology organisation for applied research, we are dedicated to make substantial contributions to solving the major challenges of our time, climate change and digitalisation. To achieve our goals, we rely on our specific research, development and technology competencies, which are the basis of our commitment to excellence in all areas. With our open culture of innovation and our motivated, international teams, we are working to position AIT as Austria's leading research institution at the highest international level and to make a positive contribution to the economy and society.

Our Center for Health & Bioresources invites applications for an internship position for our location in In the Center for Health & Bioresources we aim to solve challenges associated with demographic change, resource scarcity and environmental pollution and to develop innovative solutions, that enable early disease detection and support healthy and active aging.

The air we breathe has an important impact on our health, and since we spend most of our time indoors where there are no common indoor air quality guidelines, plants are important to improve indoor air quality. Additionally, microorganisms impact human health, and within our Bioresources team we try to uncover how plants alter the indoor air microbiome and impact human health.

FFG Internship for Female Students: “Airborne microbiome, plants and health” (Incl. the possibility of writing a Master’s Thesis)

Your responsibilities:

• As part of our multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to an applied research project, assisting in the collection of microorganisms in field studies and their subsequent analysis.
• You will work with plants, beneficial microorganisms, air sampling, DNA-extraction and dPCR.
• You will learn and practice different analysis technologies and work in a very interdisciplinary EU project.

• The data you collect is used within an international and interdisciplinary project linking plants to airborne biodiversity.
• Thanks to your input and motivation, we will get one step further to understand the relevance of the microbiome in our environment.
• Optional: You have the opportunity to work on your master’s thesis within a knowledgeable and supportive team.

Your qualifications as an Ingenious Partner:

• Ongoing master’s studies at an Austrian university in the field of Food Sciences & Biotechnology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or similar
• Knowledge in working with microorganisms (completed lab courses, microbiology, molecular biology)
• Accuracy in laboratory work
• Interested in field work and plants
• Enthusiasm for scientific work and interest in working in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Willingness and ability to work on-site in Vienna (Giefinggasse 4, 1210) approximately one day per week and in Tulln (University and Science Campus) for the remaining working days.

What to expect:

• Starting date: possible from May 2026
• Internship duration: 6 months
• A remuneration of at least EUR 1.415,-- gross per month for 38.5 hours per week.
• Possibility for a master's thesis: In addition to our company benefits, flexible working conditions and work experience in a highly innovative environment, we offer the possibility of writing a master thesis - In case you are interested in writing your final thesis throughout this internship, please let us know. As a research institution, we are familiar with the supervision and implementation of master’s theses, and we are looking forward to supporting you accordingly.

AIT participates in the Internship programme for female students of the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG).The Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure supports internships for female students within the FFG funding initiative “Training and Young Talent”. The aim is to encourage young female scientists to pursue careers in applied research in the STEM-related RTI fields (Research, Technology and Innovation) and to increase the proportion of female researchers and engineers in companies.

Interested and motivated female students are kindly asked to submit their complete application documents online, consisting of a CV, a cover letter, relevant certificates and documents, as well as a proof of identity: https://jobs.ait.ac.at/Job/264414

For further information please contact:

Clara Pogner: Clara.Pogner@ait.ac.at