Postgraduate Research Associate (project employment) / Reference Code 260

Organisation: Universität für Bodenkultur

Research Field: Chemistry - Biochemistry; Technology - Biotechnology; Engineering - Process engineering

Country: Österreich

Type of Contract: Temporary

Job Status: Part-time

Hours per week: 30

Offer Starting Date: 1 April 2026

Reference Number: 260

Workplace: 3430 Tulln an der Donau, Konrad-Lorenz-Straße 20

Application Deadline: 31 January 2026

The Department of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Environmental Biotechnology is currently seeking two positions Postgraduate Research Associates in project employment.

Extent of employment: 30 hours per week

Duration of employment: 1st of April 2026, limited to 31st of March 2029

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

Gross monthly salary: depending on previous eligible experience at least Euro 2.786,10, payable 14 times per year

Responsibilities

• In cooperation with the Competence Center BEST, the COMET module ELF4Green – Electrofermentation as an advanced tool for targeted bioproduction will be implemented at the Institute for Environmental Biotechnology over the next four years.
• The ELF4Green project develops innovative biotechnological processes for the production of green fuels and chemicals. By using electroactive microorganisms, metabolic pathways can be specifically regulated via electrical signals.
• Combining electro-fermentation, gasification and gas fermentation enables the conversion of even hard-to-degrade residues such as plastics or wood waste into valuable products, contributing to a flexible and sustainable circular bioeconomy.
• At the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology at BOKU University, IFA-Tulln site, a project team is being established in cooperation with BEST. Two positions for PhD students are available at BOKU on the topics Upcycling through gasification and electro-gas fermentation, and Electrically assisted acid and alcohol fermentation.
• The responsibilities include planning and conducting fermentation and purification processes at laboratory and pilot scale, including the associated analysis, as well as evaluating and documenting the results.
• Presentation and publication of scientific results and networking with national and international project partners are expected.
• Candidates are expected to pursue a PhD degree and will be supported accordingly.

Required skills and qualifications

• Diploma degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Chemistry or other equivalent university degree.
• Good English communication and writing skills; German language skills are an advantage.
• Technical skills and willingness to work on the design and installation of experimental equipment.
• Ability to work in a team.

Desirable skills and qualifications

• Experience with microorganisms, fermentation, or biogas technology; knowledge of electro-fermentation is an advantage but not required.
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary research.
• Candidates should enjoy working independently and with a practical focus.

Please send your job application including motivation letter, CV and, if available, letters of recommendation to Personnel Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Peter-Jordan-Straße 70, 1190 Vienna, E-Mail: recruiting@boku.ac.at, Reference code 260.

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