A PhD position is available in the group of Prof. Muttenthaler at the Institute of Biological Chemistry starting any time soon. Information about the groups can be found here: https://www.neuropeptidelab.com/

Neuropeptides are key mediators in many biological functions and understanding their interaction with target proteins is fundamental to unraveling the underlying mechanism of diseases. Over the years, an increasing number of bioactive peptides from animals, plants, and bacteria have been characterized, with the overwhelming realization that these molecules often show better therapeutic performance than their human counterparts, particularly in terms of in vivo stability.

Our main research efforts situated in this area of Chemical Biology focus on the exploration and translation of these vast and untapped natural libraries towards the development of useful research tools and therapeutics. Solid-phase peptide synthesis, the main tool to access these compounds, is a powerful technology for the assembly and chemical modification of these highly chiral and structurally complex peptides. We then use these ligands to develop advanced molecular probes and therapeutic leads to address important questions of unmet medical needs.

A PhD position is available in the group of Prof. Schröder at the Institute of Computational Biological Chemistry starting towards the end of 2025. Information about the group can be found at: https://www.mdy.univie.ac.at/index.html 

Water plays a central role as a solvent, particularly in molecular biology. One of its most intriguing characteristics is its ability to transfer protons, for example in the Grotthuss conduction mechanism. While conventional molecular dynamics simulations cannot directly model chemical reactions, this project aims to develop a polarizable water model capable of both donating and accepting protons. This advanced model will be applied to investigate water behavior not only in bulk electrolyte solutions but also near solid surfaces and within ion channels.

Your tasks: 

• Conduct molecular dynamics simulations to study proton transfer reactions
• Improve and extend existing computational (Python) code to enable these simulations
• Examine the role of water near solid surfaces and in ion channels

Your profile: 

• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Computational Science, or related fields.
• Strong affinity for computational work
• Proficiency in German is considered an asset due to the teaching responsibilities associated with this role

A PhD position is available in the Metals Systems Group of Prof. Richter at the Institute of Functional Materials and Catalysis, starting any time from Summer 2025. Information about the group can be found at:  https://functionalmaterials.univie.ac.at/en/research/solid-state-chemistry/ 

The position is devoted to the experimental investigation of intermetallic or semiconducting compounds (bulk or nanoparticles) for functional or catalytic applications. We use a broad range of synthesis- and characterization techniques and focus on fundamental aspects. 

Your tasks:

• Synthesis of intermetallic/semiconducting compounds (bulk or nanoparticles)
• Structural Characterization (XRD and Electron Microscopy)
• Phase equilibria and thermal properties (DTA, DSC, TGA)
• Characterization of relevant physical properties

Your profile: 

• Diploma or master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related fields
• Strong background in solid-state chemistry and high experimental skills

A PhD position is available in the group of Prof. Mindt at the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry starting approx. spring/summer 2025. Information about the group can be found at: https://mindt-group.univie.ac.at/ 

The project is a collaboration with the Institute of Biological Chemistry (https://biologischechemie.univie.ac.at/en/) and aims at the development of novel radiolabeled, tumor-targeting peptide conjugates for diagnostic (imaging) and therapeutic applications in nuclear medicine. Peptides and peptide conjugates will be synthesized by solid phase synthesis and coupled to a chelating system by bioconjugation chemistry. In solution, synthetic chemistry for the preparation of building blocks and application of common analytical methods (NMR, MS, HPLC) is also part of the project. Subsequently, the conjugates will be labeled with metallic radioisotopes and evaluated preclinically in vitro (e.g., on cells) and in vivo (mice).

Your tasks:

• Synthesis of building block by multi-step in solution chemistry as well as conjugates of peptides and peptidomimetics by manual and automated solid phase chemistry
• Characterization of intermediates and final products by NMR, MS, and HPLC etc.
• Radiolabeling reactions, analysis of the products (e.g., gamma-HPLC and TLC) and stability tests, determination of physical properties (e.g., logP)
• Preclinical evaluation of radiolabeled compounds in vitro (cells) and in vivo (mice)

Your profile:

• Master of Sciences (Chemistry, Pharmacy, or equivalent)
• Experience in synthetic organic/inorganic/peptide chemistry and analytical methods (HPLC, MS, NMR)
• Experience with biological experiments in vitro and/or in vivo are advantageous

A PhD position is available in the research group of Assoc. Prof. Mark Somoza at the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry starting in June 2025. The research group employs a chemical-photolithographic high-throughput approach to synthesize extensive libraries of nucleic acid sequences (DNA, RNA, and other natural and engineered nucleic acids) for applications in biosensing, bioanalysis, nucleic acid therapeutics, and digital data storage in DNA. This project aims to develop an ultra-high-throughput technique based on nucleic acid photolithography to systematically map the chemical modification space of guide RNA. The goal is to enhance the cleavage efficiency and specificity of CRISPR-Cas systems for gene editing and therapeutic applications. More information about the group can be found at: https://anorg-chemie.univie.ac.at/research/nucleic-acid-chemistry/ 

Your tasks: 

• Learn and apply (photo)chemistries for the synthesis of nucleic acid microarrays and libraries
• Design large and complex target DNA and chemically modified gRNA sequence libraries for high-throughput cleavage assays using a variety of Cas enzymes
• Analyze large datasets of experimental results
• Coordinate experimental design and data analysis with international partners

Your profile:

• Master of Science in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field
• Experimentally talented with an interest in both chemistry and molecular biology

Two PhD positions are available in the group of Prof. Backus at the Institute of Physical Chemistry, one starting any time soon (#11) and the other on 1.1.2026 (#12). The positions are devoted to the use of advanced spectroscopic experiments to study complex systems relevant to for example wetting, interfacial water structure, and catalytic reactions with in one position a focus on surface phenomena and in the other on bulk phenomena. Information about the group can be found at: https://pchem.univie.ac.at/en/research-groups/ultrafast-and-nonlinear-spectroscopy/ 

Your tasks:

• Adapting existing laser setups
• Performing and analyzing complex spectroscopic experiments

Your profile:

• MSc degree in Physical Chemistry, Physics, or a related field
• Experience with (vibrational) spectroscopy and/or optics would be an advantage

The project will investigate novel analytical tools for high-throughput analysis of flavor compounds and apply them to complex food and model systems. In addition, outcomes will be validated using sensory evaluation experiments and applied in collaboration projects to functional models for chemosensory receptor activation. 

Your tasks: 

• Analysis of volatile and non-volatile flavor and taste-active compounds by LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, and Real-Time mass spectrometry techniques
• Develop and validate sample preparation and data analysis workflows
• Chemical synthesis of reference compounds
• Design and conduct sensory studies of food flavors 

Your profile:

• Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Food Chemistry, or similar
• Hands-on experience in the application of advanced analytical instruments
• Interest in learning and applying sensory evaluation and data science methods

The project will investigate the impact of flavor compounds on oral and extraoral chemosensory systems involved in physiological functions, e.g., food intake and inflammatory responses.

Your tasks: 

• Analysis of cellular chemoreceptor function by various methods of molecular biology, e.g., PCR, CRISPR-CAS, and omics technologies
• Design and conduct human intervention studies including sensory evaluation to verify flavor effect sizes in vivo 

Your profile:

• Master of Science in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or similar
• Hands-on experience in human cell culture systems
• Interest in flavor science and application of bioinformatics methods

A PhD position is available in the group of Dr. Mateos at the Institute of Organic Chemistry starting in October of 2025. Information about the group can be found at: (https://mateoslab.com)

The successful candidate will join a young and dynamic research group established in the fall of 2024 with extensive experience in catalyst design, reaction mechanism elucidation, and the use of commodity chemicals in sophisticated organic transformations.

Your tasks:

• Design, development, and application of homogeneous catalysts
• Synthesis of valuable organic compounds
• Development of novel synthetic methodologies

Your profile:

• Applicants must hold a 1st Class Honors degree (or equivalent) in Organic Chemistry by the time of the appointment
• Only candidates with a Master's degree with a strong theoretical and practical background in the field of organic synthesis/chemistry will be considered
• Experience with standard inert-atmosphere techniques (Schlenk line, glovebox) and/or photocatalysis could be regarded as an added value

Your tasks:

• Development of new sustainable organic synthetic procedures targeting the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons functionalized with boron and nitrogen atoms
• Targeted-oriented synthesis of functional molecules for applications in optoelectronics and photocatalysis

Your profile:

• Applicants must hold a 1st Class Honors degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry with a specialization in Organic Chemistry by the time of the appointment.
• Only candidates with a Master's degree with a strong theoretical and practical background in the field of organic synthesis will be considered. Experience in heterocyclic chemistry could be regarded as an added value.

Your tasks:

• Developing new sustainable organic synthetic procedures targeting the formation of C-C and C-Het bonds and chromophore design for photocatalysis applications
• Organic synthesis of precursors
• Targeted-oriented synthesis of functional molecules for applications in photocatalysis and light harvesting applications

Your profile:

• Applicants must hold a 1st Class Honors degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry with a specialization in Organic Chemistry by the time of the appointment.
• Only candidates with a Master's degree with a strong theoretical and practical background in the field of organic synthesis will be considered. Experience in heterocyclic chemistry could be regarded as an added value.

For all applicants for Organic Chemistry positions: very good spoken and written English is also mandatory (mandatory IELTS score = 6.5).