Summary
The University of Vienna, a leading institution with nearly 11,000 staff members, including 7,700 academic staff, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher. This position is based at the Max Perutz Labs, a joint research institute of the University of Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna. The Max Perutz Labs is home to approximately 450 scientists from over 40 nations, working across 40 research groups to address fundamental questions in molecular and cell biology. This role offers an opportunity to engage in international cutting-edge research within a supportive and dynamic environment, contributing to academic excellence and shaping the future of scientific discovery.
Postdoctoral Position: Assembly and Regulation of the C. elegans Small RNA Amplification Machinery
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher
Research Area
Assembly and regulation of the C. elegans small RNA amplification machinery. The Falk Lab specifically investigates how C. elegans amplifies small RNAs to regulate gene expression and protect the genome, combining biochemistry, biophysics, and worm genetics.
Location
Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
Eligibility/Qualification
Required:
- A PhD, completed or near completion, in biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, or a related field.
- Extensive experience with recombinant protein production and purification.
- Extensive experience with biophysical methods to assess oligomeric state, ligand binding, and mono- or polydispersity (e.g., SEC-MALS, mass photometry, ITC, MST, or fluorescence anisotropy).
- Extensive experience establishing enzymatic activity assays.
- Good written and spoken English and clear communication.
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team and to drive a project.
Advantageous:
- Experience working with C. elegans, including generation of transgenic animals, cytology, and phenotypic assessment.
- Familiarity with structural biology, cryo-EM or crystallography, or interest in integrating structural data.
- Experience with microscopy and computational image analysis.
General Expectations:
- Present work regularly and contribute to manuscripts and, where relevant, grant applications.
- Keep rigorous, well-documented, and reproducible records and data.
- Contribute to a collaborative and supportive lab environment.
Job Description
The successful candidate will actively participate in research, teaching, and administration. Key tasks include:
- Driving a research project focused on the assembly and regulation of the small RNA amplification machinery, bridging in vitro reconstitution and biochemistry with C. elegans genetics.
- Regularly meeting and consulting with the supervisor to prioritize tasks.
- Participating in group, campus, and workshop activities.
- Presenting at conferences and publishing results in peer-reviewed journals.
- Actively seeking support through workshops, training, and coaching.
- Contributing to the education and supervision of Bachelor, Master, and PhD students.
This is a fixed-term contract for 3 years with the option of extension, starting on January 1, 2027. The position is full-time (40.00 hours/week) with a basic salary of EUR 5,079.50 (14 times a year), which may increase based on creditable professional experience.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application via the University of Vienna’s job portal by clicking the “Apply now” button. Please include the following documents:
- Scientific curriculum vitae / letter of intent
- List of publications
- Summary of research interests (maximum 1 page)
- Contact details of persons who could provide reference letters
For any questions, please contact Sebastian Falk at sebastian.falk@univie.ac.at.
Last Date for Apply
October 18, 2026
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