PhD in Microbiology & Soil Ecology — Climate-Smart Soils

University of Vienna; Wien; On-site; EUR 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International networks

Structured doctoral training

Fair salary

Diverse research environment

Job summary

The University of Vienna invites outstanding candidates to apply for multiple doctoral positions in the Vienna Doctoral School of Microbiology and Environmental Science as part of its Autumn Call 2026, offering funded doctoral positions.

You will be embedded in CeMESS and collaborate with partners in Aalborg, Oxford and Berkeley to study how fast microorganisms cycle nutrients in soil and how this relates to soil health. The position involves hands-on lab and field work across a 4-year program.

Qualifications

• MSc degree in a related field.
• Background in soil science, microbial ecology, or biogeochemistry.
• Willingness to work in demanding fieldwork and cross-national collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Measure soil process rates and link them to microbial identity and soil health.
• Conduct lab and field campaigns from sample collection to data interpretation in an international team.

Skills

Curiosity

Resilience

Collaborative mindset

Scientific communication

Education

MSc in related field

Tools

Mass spectrometry

Isotope pool dilution

Microbial growth measurements

Job description

The University of Vienna invites outstanding candidates to apply for multiple doctoral positions in the Vienna Doctoral School of Microbiology and Environmental Science as part of its Autumn Call 2026, offering funded doctoral positions.

You will be embedded in CeMESS and collaborate with partners in Aalborg, Oxford and Berkeley to study how fast microorganisms cycle nutrients in soil and how this relates to soil health. The position involves hands-on lab and field work across a 4-year program.