Postdoctoral Research Associate / Reference Code 14

Organisation: Universität für Bodenkultur

Research Field: Technology - Biotechnology; Biological sciences - Biological engineering; Chemistry - Biochemistry; Engineering - Chemical engineering

Country: Österreich

Type of Contract: Temporary

Job Status: Full-time

Hours per week: 40

Offer Starting Date: 1 March 2026

Reference Number: 14

Workplace: 1190 Wien, Muthgasse 18

Application Deadline: 18 February 2026

The Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Institute of Food Technology is currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate.

Extent of employment: 40 hours per week

Duration of employment: 1st of March 2026, limited to 28th of February 2032

Allocation in compliance with the Collective Agreement for University Staff to job group: B1 lit. b

Gross monthly salary: depending on previous eligible experience at least Euro 5.014,30, payable 14 times per year

Responsibilities

• The postdoctoral position in Fermentation and Biotransformation in Food Technology covers all aspects of the application of microorganisms in food technology and biotechnology and involves tasks in research, teaching and administration.
• The research will focus on the cultivation of microorganisms, the development of fermentation processes and the engineering of microorganisms to process food, produce food ingredients, food additives or food processing aids. A particular focus is put on genetic engineering and recombinant protein production.
• In addition to the biotransformations of conventionally used raw materials for food production, an important aspect of our research is the utilization of agricultural and industrial side streams as substrates to increase food security through resource-efficient bioprocesses.
• Participation in outreach activities to explain and popularize science for the general public.
• Contributions to laboratory management, including onboarding, safety, instrument maintenance, etc. are also expected.

Required skills and qualifications

• Doctoral degree or PhD in a relevant natural science field.
• Fluent written and spoken English and German language skills.
• Cultivation and identification of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms.
• Profound knowledge of bioreactors and relevant food processing equipment.
• Modern methods in molecular biology for the engineering of proteins and microorganisms.
• Skilled in computational methods for the prediction, characterization or modelling of biomolecules.
• Analysis of food ingredients, especially HPLC, IC and CE methods and photometric assays.
• Good communication skills and high motivation to engage students and the general public.
• Experience in teaching laboratory courses and lectures in English and German.
• Proficiency in proposal writing and project management.
• Technical expertise in methods from microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioprocess engineering, analytical chemistry, and computational methods for analyzing sequence information and molecular structures is required to perform research tasks.
• A background in food science or food technology is required to understand the development of food products, functional food ingredients and plant-based alternatives as well as the analysis of texture, shelf-life and nutritional value.
• The ability and motivation to translate basic scientific findings into industrial applications is required to bridge fundamental and applied research and collaborate with industry on R&D projects.
• Teaching and educational skills are necessary for supervising laboratory work, tutoring bachelor-, master-, and doctoral candidates, teaching courses and supervising seminars.

Desired skills and qualifications

• High-throughput screening of microorganisms.
• Use of microfluidic devices.
• Qualifications as a first responder and previous participation in laboratory safety training.

Applications can be submitted until 18th of February 2026.

Please send your job application including motivation letter, CV, references, portfolio and research statement to Personnel Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Peter-Jordan-Straße 70, 1190 Wien, E-Mail: recruiting@boku.ac.at, Reference code 14.

Additional job details