Currently open: Two fully funded PhD positions

1.) The establishment of photosynthetic endosymbioses

Duration of contract: 4 years 
Planned starting date: September 1st, 2026 
Place of work: University of Vienna, CeMESS
Main supervisor: Megan Sørensen

 

Project description:

Endosymbiotic partnerships led to the evolution, and subsequent spread, of eukaryotic photosynthesis, and as such have shaped evolutionary history. In addition, photosynthetic endosymbioses continue to play crucial roles in many modern ecosystems. However, there is much we do not know about the evolution of these important associations, in particular regarding how these relationships emerge and stabilise. This project will investigate these processes by using the tractable association between the protist host Paramecium bursaria and its photosynthetic Chlorella endosymbionts. This PhD project will seek to understand the molecular mechanisms that govern the transition from the free-living to the endosymbiotic state using a diverse range of experimental approaches, including: physiology, metabolomics, transcriptomics, photosynthetic measurements and microscopy.

2) Microbial Processes as Soil Health Indicators

Duration of contract: Up to 4 years 
Planned starting date: January 2027 
Place of work: University of Vienna
Main supervisor: Andreas Richter

 

Project description:

How fast do soils cycle nutrients — and which microbes make it happen?
ActiveSOIL (funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation) is an international project measuring gross soil process rates, from depolymerisation to mineralisation, and linking them to microbial identity, community composition and soil health.
We are recruiting a PhD student to carry out this work at the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, alongside partners in Aalborg (DK), Oxford (UK) and Berkeley (USA). You will combine stable isotope pool dilution assays with measurements of microbial community activity.
You should have a background in soil science, microbial ecology or biogeochemistry and an appetite for demanding lab and field work. Prior experience with these methods is an advantage, but not a requirement — we will train you.

Gender equality, diversity and non-discrimination

© Manuel Lavoriero

The University pursues a non-discriminatory employment policy and values equal opportunities, as well as diversity (http://diversity.univie.ac.at/). The University lays special emphasis on increasing the number of women in senior and in academic positions. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female applicants.

The University of Vienna has an institutionalised gender equality policy and within this framework VDSMES strives to strengthen the career development of female scientists at all qualifications levels and to support compatibility between family and work/training.

The Gender Equality and Diversity unit of the University of Vienna provides services which, based on the issue of gender equality, aim at ensuring equal opportunities for all university members.

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