University assistant predoctoral

Universität Wien

Job description:

At the University of Vienna almost 11,000 personalities work together towards answering the big questions of the future. Around 7,700  of them do research and teaching, around 3,000 work in administration and organisation. We are looking for a/an

University assistant predoctoral

Detailed description

Are you interested in cellular mechanisms of neurotoxicity and how pathologically altered proteins damage different cell types in the central nervous system? Would you like to conduct research on neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, and vascular involvement in the brain in an experimental environment?

Then we look forward to welcoming you as a Praedoc University Assistant at the University of Vienna. The advertised PhD project is translational in nature and deals with the cellular toxicity of pathologically modified α-synuclein species in relevant in vitro models of the central nervous system.

Your personal sphere of play:

As a Praedoc university assistant, you will join Associate Prof. Marietta Zille, PhD's research team in the field of cellular and molecular neuro- and vascular pharmacology. You will be involved in a clearly structured PhD project and work independently on scientific questions.

The research focus of the working group is on regulated cell death mechanisms, the neurovascular unit and blood-brain barrier, stroke and cerebral hemorrhage, neuroinflammation, cellular senescence, and innovative in vitro models for investigating neurodegenerative processes.

Associate Prof. Zille's team currently consists of a postdoc, predocs, and administrative colleagues and has a strong international network. What sets us apart as a team is a clear scientific profile, methodological excellence, a high degree of personal responsibility, a collegial working atmosphere, and the targeted promotion of young scientists. Scientific integrity, critical thinking, and teamwork are particularly important to us.

You will be part of the PhaNuSpo Docschool.

Your future tasks:

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

• You will work on an experimental PhD project in the field of neurodegeneration, cellular neurotoxicity, and glial stress responses
• You will plan and conduct in vitro experiments with primary cells of the central nervous system, especially neurons and glial cells
• You will investigate the effects of toxic stimuli on cell viability, cell death, and cellular stress and inflammatory responses
• You will apply established cell biological, molecular biological, and microscopic methods and evaluate them quantitatively
• You will work with models of the blood-brain barrier to analyze barrier function and transport processes
• We expect the dissertation agreement to be completed within 12-18 months
• You will work continuously on your dissertation and its timely completion
• You will hold courses in accordance with the provisions of the collective agreement
• You will take on administrative tasks in research and teaching

This is part of your personality:

• Completed master's or diploma degree in pharmacy, biology, biomedicine, molecular biology, neuroscience, or a related field, or about to complete a relevant degree
• Proven practical experience working with primary cell cultures, ideally from the central nervous system
• Experience with experimental models of cellular damage or cell death induction
• Familiarity with quantitative cell viability or cell death assays is an advantage
• Experience in independently planning and conducting laboratory experiments
• Interest in neurodegenerative or cerebrovascular diseases, neuroinflammation, or cellular stress mechanisms
• Very good written and spoken English skills (C1 level)
• Careful, structured way of working and strong team and communication skills
• Interest in university teaching and further scientific qualification

Experience with glial cells, neurovascular issues, or models of acute cellular damage is a particular advantage.

What we offer:

Employment: The position is advertised for 4 years, with the employment relationship initially limited to 1.5 years and automatically extended to a total of 4 years, unless the employer issues a non-renewal declaration after a maximum of 12 months.

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; 14 salaries per year) 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 letter of intent, clearly outlining your motivation for this position
• With your scientific curriculum vitae, which highlights your exceptional fit to this position
• Certificate of completed master's/diploma degree or current confirmation of academic achievement if the degree is still in progress (with expected graduation date)
• Other training and degree certificates
• Proof of your English language skills (e.g., certificate of at least C1 level)
• Via our job portal / Apply now

If you have any content questions, please contact:

Marietta Zille

marietta.zille@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.

Data protection

Application deadline: 02/25/2026 

Apply now