University assistant predoctoral

Universität Wien

Job description:

At the University of Vienna more than 10,000 personalities work together towards answering the big questions of the future. Around 7,500  of them do research and teaching, around 2,900 work in administration and organisation. We are looking for a/an

University assistant predoctoral

The Max Perutz Labs is a joint research institute of the University of Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna. It was founded in 2005 to deepen the collaboration between the two universities in the field of molecular biosciences. Approximately 450 scientists from over 40 nations work in 40 research groups at the institute, investigating fundamental questions in molecular and cell biology. State-of-the-art research infrastructure supports their work in basic biomedical research.

Your personal sphere of influence:

As a PhD student (university assistant predoctoral) in the laboratory of Pim Huis in ’t Veld, you will investigate mechanisms of cell division. When cells divide, they need to transmit a complete and damage-free copy of the genome to both arising daughter cells. This requires that sister chromatids are completely resolved from one another. If that is not the case, connected pieces of DNA are stretched into so-called DNA bridges when chromatids part in anaphase.

The Huis lab studies the protein machinery that recognizes and processes DNA bridges in human cells. For a mechanistic understanding, we combine reconstitution biochemistry with cell biology, structural biology, and biophysics. We strive to gain insight into error-prone cell division in human disease and to discover fundamental principles of cell division. In your project, you will study protein-DNA transactions during mitosis that are crucial to maintain genome stability via bottom-up biochemical reconstitution and mechanism cell biology.

We are looking for a candidate that is enthusiastic about the mission of the lab: unravelling the intricacies of the molecules that make our cells divide correctly. As a member of a new lab, you will work closely together with colleagues and the group leader and shape the team in the coming years. We strive for a supportive feedback culture, a diverse and international team, and a place for creative and rigorous science.

Our freshly renovated lab is located on the 5th floor of the Max Perutz Labs where Chromosome Biology and Biochemistry come together. We are a part of the Vienna Biocenter (VBC), providing PhD students with a state-of-the-art scientific infrastructure, unique opportunities for scientific and personal development, as well as a large network of peers. Vienna is a beautiful, vibrant, and affordable city.

Your future tasks:

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

• Contribute to the investigation of protein-DNA transactions during anaphase
• Present your work in lab meetings, institute seminars, and meetings with your thesis advisory committee
• Finalise your dissertation agreement within 12-18 months
• Complete your dissertation and participate in the preparation of research papers
• Participate in teaching within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement
• Supervision of BSc and MSc students

This is part of your personality:

•  Ability to work in a team and excellent communication skills
• University degree in Biology, Biotechnology or Biochemistry
• Excellent command of written and spoken English (C1 level or higher)
• Basic experience in academic writing
• Successful completion of the VBC PhD programme selection
• Experience in mammalian cell culture and fluorescence microscopy is required
• Experience with molecular cloning and genome editing methods is desired
• Experience with recombinant protein purification and biophysical characterization is required

What we offer:

Employment duration: 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

Fair salary: EUR 3.776,10 gross per month (on full-time basis), 14x per year. Job grading in accordance with collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc).  

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible, family-friendly working hours.

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 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.

Equal opportunities for everyone: We look forward to diverse personalities in the team!

It is that easy to apply:

• With your scientific curriculum vitae
• Short motivation letter with reference to PhD program application
• Master Degree  /  Diploma
• Via our  job portal/ Apply now -  button

If you have any questions, please contact:

Pim Joannes Huis in t Veld  

pim.huis@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 lay special emphasis on increasing the number of women in senior and in academic positions among the academic and general university staff 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: 02/05/2026 

Apply now