Summary
The University of Vienna is seeking a full-time University Assistant (postdoctoral researcher) for a three-year position within the Division of BioInvasions, Macroecology & Global Change at the Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research. The role involves conducting research on biodiversity patterns, particularly biological invasions and vegetation community composition, and their underlying drivers. The successful candidate will contribute to a FWF-DFG-funded project focusing on macroecological and biogeographic aspects of plant invasions, develop their research portfolio, and engage in academic tasks including securing funding, data analysis, publication, and student supervision.
Designation
University Assistant (Postdoctoral)
Research Area
- Invasion Biology
- Vegetation Science
- Biodiversity Change
- Macroecology
- Statistical Modelling
- Global Change Science
- Conservation Science
- Environmental Policy
Location
Vienna, Austria (University of Vienna)
Eligibility/Qualification
- Doctoral degree/PhD in biology (or equivalent).
- Experience in Invasion Science, Vegetation Science, Global Change Science, and/or Macroecology.
- Experience in studying biodiversity patterns across spatial and temporal scales (regional to global).
- Experience in advanced statistical analyses of scientific data, preferably in R.
- Interest and prior experience in developing external (third-party) grant applications; ambition or experience with high-level international grant applications (e.g., ERC, Horizon Europe) is a plus.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English (German is a plus).
- Ability and willingness to work in teams.
- Experience in teaching.
- Experience in project administration and personnel management.
Job Description
The successful candidate will participate in research focused on understanding biodiversity patterns (especially biological invasions, vegetation community composition) and their drivers under past, current, and future conditions. Key responsibilities include:
- Developing a research portfolio related to the division’s topics.
- Staying current with developments in invasion science, vegetation science, global change science, and related fields.
- Engaging in the full breadth of academic work: conceiving ideas, securing further funding, analyzing and publishing scientific results.
- Supervising/mentoring students involved in division projects.
- Collaborating and developing ideas with colleagues in a team-oriented environment.
- Fulfilling teaching obligations of approximately 2 hours per week.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit the following documents via the University of Vienna’s job portal (Apply now button):
- Scientific and educational curriculum vitae.
- Letter of motivation.
- List of publications.
- Doctoral Degree certificate.
- Contact details of persons who could provide reference letters.
For further information, please contact Franz Essl (franz.essl@univie.ac.at) or Bernd Lenzner (bernd.lenzner@univie.ac.at).
Last Date for Apply
October 12, 2026
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