The Department of Ecosystem Management, Climate and Biodiversity, Institute of Soil Research is currently seeking a

Postdoctoral Research Associate

(Reference code: 116)

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research in rhizosphere ecology and biogeochemistry, focusing on soil biogeochemical processes at the rhizosphere scale. Research will address the fate and function of root exudates, their interactions with soil minerals, and implications for nutrient cycling, plant nutrition, plant-soil-microbe interactions, and soil carbon dynamics, with the goal of advancing soil health, resilience, and sustainability.
• Proactively contribute to the planning and strategic development of research activities and teaching programs at the Institute of Soil Research
• Supervise and mentor students (bachelor's, master's, and doctoral theses), as well as visiting researchers and interns
• Actively participate in institutional administration, including the development and implementation of modern data management strategies
• Prepare competitive research proposals and successfully secure external research funding
• Represent the Institute at international scientific meetings and conferences, and engage in public outreach and research communication activities (third mission) to promote the visibility and impact of the lnstitute's work

Required skills and qualifications

• Doctoral degree/PhD in Environmental Sciences, Geosciences, Ecology, Agriculture, Forestry or similar
• Diploma degree in natural sciences or other equivalent university degree
• Very good written and spoken English language skills
• German language skills at the beginning desirable but not mandatory
• IT-knowledge, advanced experience in data management and statistical data analysis
• Demonstrated experience in elemental and metabolite analysis and data evaluation using platforms such as ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and LC-MS/MS
• Proven experience with stable isotope analysis and interpretation of isotopic data
• Hands-on experience with diverse plant growth systems and established methodologies for root exudate sampling
• Publications in international peer reviewed journals
• Experience in presenting at international conference, workshops and project meetings

Desirable skills and qualifications

• Teaching experience soil science and rhizosphere ecology
• Willingness to learn German (level B1) within the first year of employment
• Experience in laboratory organization and management
• Experience with non-targeted metabolomic analyses and associated data processing and evaluation workflows
• Experience in project management and financial administration of research projects
• Valid driver's license type B
• Strong social competencies and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in teams
• High stress resilience, reliability, and capacity for independent work

Applications can be submitted until: 30th of June 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
• Publication List incl. ORCID ID

to HR Management, BOKU University, Peter-Jordan-Straße 70, 1190 Vienna; E-Mail: recruiting@boku.ac.at. (Reference code: 116)

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

www.boku.ac.at