Scientific project assistant predoctoral 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. They represent individuals driven by curiosity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With us, they find the space to try things out and unfold their potential. Are you inspired by their passion and determination? We are currently seeking a/an

Scientific project assistant predoctoral

Description of project

Ion-guided assembly of biopolymers is well known; utilising this effect to create more effective polymeric drag reducing agents has yet to be proven. To control the assembly of biopolymer colloids, we aim to end-functionalise biopolymer oligomers with carefully controlled polymer grafts to tailor associate dimensions and chemistry.

Background:

Biopolymers, such as guar and xanthan gum as well as alginate have been shown to reduce drag of water in pipe flow. However, the drag reducing ability is limited due to their rigidity in solution. Other water-soluble polymers, such as polyethylene glycol and poly (acryl amide), are more effective but degrade in shear during extended flow operations, losing their effectiveness to reduce drag. The need for improved biodegradable functional drag reducing agents for water to control pipe flow is driven by energy efficiency, materials cost, and environmental concerns. Polymer longevity in turbulent flow must be improved.

You will learn Polymer synthesis and functionalisation, colloid formation and structure, polymer solution characterization, determination of drag reduction capabilities.

Main supervisors: Profs. Alexander Bismarck and Robert T. Woodward

Co-supervisors: Prof. Thomas Rosenau (BoKu)

Your personal sphere of influence:

We invite applications for one PhD position in the Institute of Materials Chemistry & Research, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, associated with the Green Cycles of Renewable Materials program of the FWF-funded Cluster of Excellence - Circular Bioengineering. The position will focus on controlling the assembly of biopolymer colloids, we aim to end-functionalise biopolymer oligomers with carefully controlled polymer grafts to tailor associate dimensions and chemistry.

Your future tasks:

You actively participate in research, teaching & administration, which means:

• Synthesise end-functionalised biopolymers.
• Control polymer colloid formation in aqueous salt solutions.
• Understand the impact of biopolymer associate architecture on solution properties.
• Investigate the effect of a biopolymer associate on drag reduction.
• Supervision of Bachelor and Master students

This is part of your personality:

• Completed Master's degree or Diploma, in Chemistry
• Experience in polymer synthesis and material characterization
• Strong analytical skills, including chemical, morphological and physical characterization
• Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment
• Excellent communication skills in both German and English (written and spoken)

Desirable Expertise:

• Familiiarity with colloidal systems and their characterization

What we offer:

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours and can partially work remotely. 

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment.

Good public transport connections: Your workplace 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.

Fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 3.776,10 (on a full-time basis) 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:

• With your scientific curriculum vitae / letter of intent
• With your summary of research interests / ideas for a prospective doctoral project proposal (max. X p.)
• Master Degree  /  Diploma
• ...
• Via our  job portal/ Apply now -  button

If you have any questions, please contact:

Alexander Bismarck  

alexander.bismarck@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: 05/04/2026 

Apply now