University assistant predoctoral in Environmental Geochemistry of Mineral-Associated Organic Matter Universität Wien

Job description:

The University of Vienna is a cosmopolitan hub for almost 11,000 employees, of whom around 7,700 work in research and teaching. They want to do research and teach at a place that suits their ideas and work together towards answering the big questions of the future. You also appreciate the exchange between disciplines, cultures and generations? We are looking for a/an

University assistant predoctoral in Environmental Geochemistry of Mineral-Associated Organic Matter

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where more than 7,500 academics thrive on curiosity in continuous exploration and help us better understand our world. Does this sound like you? Then join our accomplished team!

Your personal sphere of influence:

As a University Assistant Predoctoral, you will join the research group of Prof. Stephan M. Kraemer at the Department of Environmental Geosciences (EDGE), which is part of the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CeMESS).

The project you will be working on focuses on the environmental geochemistry of mineral-associated organic matter, with a particular emphasis on the exploration of the molecular scale interaction between mineral surfaces and organic molecules (e.g., nucleic acids, proteins, natural organic matter), combining cutting edge mineralogical, analytical chemical, and bioinformatic approaches.

The research group has strong expertise in mineral surface chemistry, biogeochemistry, and molecular-scale processes governing the stabilization, transformation, and persistence of organic matter in the environment. 

Your future tasks:

As part of this position, you will actively contribute to research, teaching, and administrative activities:

• Participation in research on organic–mineral interactions, including adsorption, stabilization, and degradation of organic molecules on mineral surfaces.
• Investigation of the role of mineralogy, surface properties, and molecular characteristics (e.g., molecular size, functional groups, etc.) in controlling organic matter preservation.
• You will work continuously on your dissertation and its timely completion.
• Publication and presentation of research in international top journals and conferences.
• You will hold courses in accordance with the provisions of the collective agreement.
• Teaching and administrative tasks in research and teaching as defined by the collective agreement.
• Supervision of master students.

This is part of your personality:

• M.Sc. degree in environmental geochemistry, environmental chemistry, geosciences, biogeochemistry, or a related field.
• Strong interest in organic–mineral interactions and environmental processes governing carbon cycling.
• Experience with working in a laboratory.
• Familiarity with mineral surface chemistry and/or organic matter characterization is an advantage.
• Experience with analytical techniques (e.g., XRD, UV-visible spectroscopy, chromatography, qPCR, or similar) is a plus.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Curious, independent, proactive, and highly motivated personality.

What we offer:

Employment: The employment duration is 3 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 3 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a declaration of non-extension. With appropriate work progress, an extension to a total maximum of 4 years is possible.

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

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment. We offer an interdisciplinary scientific environment, cutting-edge laboratories, and a creative working atmosphere.

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.

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:

Application documents should include:

• Letter of motivation
• Academic curriculum vitae
• Master’s degree certificate or expected date of graduation

Please apply directly via the University Job center ("Apply now") button!

If you have any content questions, please contact:

Stella Maria Spanlang  

environment@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: 05/24/2026 

Apply now