Career position in the field of Physics- and Physical Chemistry of Foods (Food Physics)

University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU); Österreich; Vor Ort; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading university in Austria seeks a qualified individual for a tenure-track position in Food Physics focusing on food structure. The role offers research opportunities, teaching responsibilities, and the chance to lead a research team. Candidates should have a doctorate, strong publication record, and fluency in English and German. Competitive salary and generous benefits included.

Leistungen

Attractive career development program

Extensive range of social benefits

Reimbursement for travel expenses

Qualifikationen

• Completed doctorate in a relevant field.
• Sound experience as a postdoc.
• Excellent publication achievements.
• Ability to lead a research team.
• Fluent in German and English or willing to learn.
• Prior research in multiphase food systems.

Aufgaben

• Conduct research in food physics and structure.
• Teach and supervise students.
• Promote junior researchers.
• Manage research projects and funding.
• Publish in high-quality journals.
• Develop new teaching formats.

Kenntnisse

Physical-chemical characterization of food

Microscopic methods for structural analysis

Dynamic light scattering (DLS)

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS)

UV/visible spectroscopy

Research team leadership

Interdisciplinary research

Teaching skills

German language (willingness to learn)

International collaboration

Ausbildung

Completed doctorate in relevant field

Jobbeschreibung

The Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Institute of Food Science wishes to fill a

Career position in compliance with § 99 (5) UG (tenure-track) in the field of Physics- and Physical Chemistry of Foods (Food Physics) with a focus on Food Structure

(Reference code 226)

Working time: 40 hours per week
Term of the employment relationship: 1st of October 2026, limited to a period of 6 years
Allocation in compliance with the Collective Agreement for University Staff to job group: B1 lit. b
Gross monthly salary: (depending on previous eligible experience) at least: € 4.932,90 (14 × a year, in addition we also offer an attractive career development program and an extensive range of social benefits)

Target group

§99 (5) positions offer academics with high potential and the relevant achievements the opportunity of an academic carrier ranging from a postdoc position to that of assistant professor and on to associated professor. The position of associated professor can be achieved at the latest six years after the appointment. §99 (5) positions are aimed at academics with a doctorate/PhD degree, with high potential, who are close to or have already successfully completed a habilitation. Experience at other universities or research institutes abroad is expressly welcome.

Tasks and focus areas

• Research in the field of Physics- and Physical Chemistry of Foods with a focus on Food Structure Development of novel approaches and concepts in food physics and food structure research
• Teaching and supervision or co-supervision of final papers within the scope of legal possibilities
• Transfer of knowledge and the promotion of junior researchers in line with the social responsibility of the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences
• Assumption of administrative tasks within the framework of university self-administration
• Acquisition and management of competitively funded national and international research projects
• Publication in high-quality journals in the field of food science
• Setting up collaborations within the Institute, Department, and outside the University, both domestically and internationally
• Development of novel approaches and concepts in Food Physics and Food Structure
• Development of innovative teaching formats and contents
• Active participation in international scientific networks, societies and contributions to interdisciplinary initiatives
• Outreach to the scientific community, society and industry
• Integration of global perspectives in teaching and research, including partnerships and capacity building with institutions and students in the Global South

Requirement profile

• Completed doctorate in a relevant field Sound professional experience in the scientific field as a postdoc
• Excellent publication achievements as well as international orientation and recognition
• Willingness and ability to lead your own research team incl. the necessary funding this requires (third-party funding)
• Enthusiasm for outstanding teaching
• Excellent written and spoken German and English or willingness to learn German in the first two years
• Technical expertise in the following areas:
  • Physical-chemical characterization of animal- and plant-based food
  • Microscopic methods for structural analysis
  • Scattering and spectroscopy techniques: dynamic light scattering (DLS), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), UV/visible spectroscopy
  • Linking food structure, sensory perception, and in vitro sensory analysis
• Prior research experience in the structure and structuring of multiphase food systems such as emulsions, gels, and fat-based materials, with application in animal-based foods and plant-based alternatives and their relation to sensory perception
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary research that links food physics and structure with other areas of the Institute of Food Science and the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science

Other desired qualifications

• Experience abroad as well as in teaching and leadership at universities and research institutions
• Management and personnel management skills, including skills in the areas of gender and diversity management as well as inclusion and accessibility in communication
• Engagement in scientific cooperation within and outside the university, both domestically and internationally
• Experience in acquiring, managing, and conducting research projects

Publication date: 13th of November 2025
Closing date for applications: 11th of December 2025

University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna seeks to increase the number of its female faculty and staff members. Therefore, qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply. In case of equal qualification, female candidates will be given preference unless reasons specific to an individual male candidate tilt the balance in his favour.

People with disabilities and appropriate qualifications are specifically encouraged to apply.

Please submit your application in English incl. Curriculum vitae with detailed presentation of professional, teaching and research activities incl. mandatory indication of the ORCID List of all publications (refereed & non-refereed), lectures and projects. Electronic transmission of the PDF files of five own publications which you consider to be particularly important. Rough concept for future plans in research and teaching including your contribution to the scientific profile of the Department. Teaching portfolio including evaluation results. Brief explanation why you think you should be particularly suitable for this position (max. 1 page) and indicating the reference code 226 to [e-mail] until 11th of December 2025.

If you are invited to a personal interview, travel expenses can be reimbursed on presentation of invoices and proof of payment (in Europe up to max. 300 euros, outside Europe up to max. 1200 euros).

www.boku.ac.at