Postdoctoral Research Associate / Reference Code 27

The Department of Ecosystem Management, Climate and Biodiversity, Institute of Soil Research is currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate.

Extent of employment: 20 hours per week

Duration of employment: 1st of April 2026, limited to 31st of March 2032

Workplace: 1190 Vienna

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 € 2.507,20, payable 14 times per year

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research in rhizosphere ecology and biogeochemistry with a primary focus on root exudation dynamics, applying advanced non-targeted metabolomic approaches using high-resolution mass spectrometry, including data processing, metabolite annotation and identification workflows, as well as comprehensive biological interpretation
• Proactively contribute to the planning and strategic development of research activities and teaching programs at the Institute of Soil Research
• Supervise and mentor students, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral theses, as well as visiting researchers and interns
• Actively contribute to institutional administration, including supporting the development, modernization, and maintenance of the Institute's new homepage, with a commitment to regularly updating and improving its content
• Prepare competitive research proposals and successfully secure external research funding
• Represent the Institute at international scientific meetings and conferences, and engage in public outreach and research communication activities, third mission, to promote the visibility and impact of the Institute's work

Required skills and qualifications

• Doctoral degree / PhD in Environmental Sciences, Geosciences, Ecology, Agriculture, Forestry or similar
• Diploma degree in natural sciences or other equivalent university degree
• Very good written and spoken English language skills
• German language skills at the beginning desirable but not mandatory
• IT knowledge, advanced experience in data management and statistical data analysis
• Post-Doc experience in root exudate analysis and data evaluation using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS as well as various data evaluation tools and platforms
• Experience with different plant growth systems, e.g. rhizoboxes, and root exudate sampling approaches as well as field trials
• Publications in international peer reviewed journals
• Experience in oral presentation at international conference

Desired skills and qualifications

• Teaching experience soil science and rhizosphere ecology
• Willingness to learn German, level B1, within the first year of employment
• Experience in laboratory organization and management
• Experience with targeted elemental, isotope and molecule analysis, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, TOC
• Experience in project management and financial administration of research projects
• Valid driver's license type B
• Strong social competencies and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in teams
• High stress resilience, reliability, and capacity for independent work

Application

Applications can be submitted until 3rd of March 2026.

Please send your job application including motivation letter, CV and publication list including ORCID ID to HR Management, BOKU University, Peter-Jordan-Straße 70, 1190 Vienna; E-Mail: recruiting@boku.ac.at. Reference code: 27.

www.boku.ac.at