University Assistant Predoctoral in Environmental Toxicology of Tire Antioxidants Universität Wien

Job description:

At the University of Vienna, almost 11,000 people work together on the big questions of the future. Approximately 7,700 of them are academic staff members. These are individuals who, with their curiosity and their continuous pursuit of excellence, engage in international cutting-edge research and teaching. With us, you will also find space to unfold your potential. We are looking for a/an ...

University Assistant Predoctoral in Environmental Toxicology of Tire Antioxidants

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:

You will join the Department of Environmental Geosciences (EDGE) at the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CeMESS) to investigate p phenylenediamine (PPD) tire antioxidants and their quinone transformation products (PPD Qs).

The project you will be working on studies tire antioxidant chemicals (PPDs) and their quinone products (PPD‑Qs) released by tire and road wear, and investigates how their properties affect transport across cell membranes, binding to blood proteins, and effects on human cells. The objectives are to measure passive transport and distribution (including plasma protein and membrane lipid binding); to quantify cytotoxicity in human intestinal and lung cell models; and to determine whether the observed effects fit baseline (narcosis) toxicity or reflect specific mechanism. Using a set of PPDs and PPD‑Qs, the work links in vitro effect levels to plausible human exposures and compares current antiozonants with potential replacements.

Your future tasks:

You actively participate in research, teaching, and administration, which means that you will:

• Plan and execute experiments to quantify passive transport, membrane partitioning, and plasma protein binding for selected PPDs and PPD Qs, ensuring appropriate test conditions and quality control.
• Generate concentration–response data in intestinal and lung cell models to compare toxicity across ingestion  and inhalation relevant tissues.
• Perform mechanistic studies to differentiate baseline toxicity from specific mode of toxic action.
• Analyze how lipophilicity and electrophilicity relate to transport, binding, and cellular outcomes.
• Manage data analysis and documentation; contribute to manuscripts and presentations.
• Progress your dissertation; contribute to teaching and administrative tasks; supervise undergraduate/master’s students as appropriate.

This is part of your personality:

• M.Sc. in toxicology, environmental chemistry, environmental sciences, or a related field.
• Excellent written and spoken English (at least level C1).
• Laboratory experience.
• Experience with LC-MS/MS.
• Ability to perform concentration–response testing and statistical analyses.
• Familiarity with cell culturing, membrane transport assays, and/or protein binding is an advantage.
• Strong interest in membrane-molecule interactions and mechanistic toxicology; motivation to link physicochemical properties to biological effects.
• Readiness to implement and standardize assays across models.
• Willingness to develop skills in data analysis and research data management.
• 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 working hours upon agreement 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 new personality to the team!

It is that easy to apply:

• With your scientific curriculum vitae
• With your ideas for a prospective doctoral project proposal (max. 2 p.)
• Master Degree
• Via our job portal and the "Apply now"-button

If you have any 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: 05/30/2026 

Apply now