PhD Position: Analyzing Polymer Degradation by Soil Enzymes

Universität Wien; Wien; On-site; EUR 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded 3-year contract

Vienna living

Job summary

University of Vienna invites applications for a PhD position within the Agripolys DC6 project at CeMESS. The role focuses on soil biodegradation of polymers using high‑resolution mass spectrometry and enzyme studies in Vienna, Austria.

The successful candidate will develop and complete a dissertation within 12–18 months, contribute to the AGRIPOLYS project through experiments and analytical method development, and publish findings in international journals and conferences.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in analytical chemistry, polymer chemistry, biochemistry, environmental chemistry, food chemistry, microbiology, or a closely related field.
• Laboratory experience in one or several of the above fields is a strong asset.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1).
• High motivation, independence, and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Develop and complete a dissertation within the scope of the AGRIPOLYS project.
• Participate in the AGRIPOLYS project through experiments and development of analytical methods.
• Publish and present research in international journals and conferences.
• Contribute to administrative tasks in research and administration.

Skills

English C1

Lab experience

Education

Master's degree in analytical/chemistry

Job description

Your personal sphere of influence:

Polymers are important for numerous agricultural applications. To avoid the accumulation of polymers in soils and other environmental systems, soil biodegradability is a key desired feature for many polymers. To inform the development of soil biodegradable polymers, a fundamental understanding of the activity and specificity of soil enzymes is needed. Rooted in environmental analytical chemistry (centered around high-resolution mass spectrometry), this project (Agripolys DC6) aims to decipher biodegradation pathways of several promising polymer classes and thereby shine light on the degradation potential of soil enzymes.

Our research group is part of the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CeMESS) at the University of Vienna, Austria. We are dedicated to conducting cutting-edge research at the intersection of (bio)chemistry, microbiology, and environmental science.

Your future tasks:

You actively participate in research & administration, which means:

• development and completion of a dissertation within the scope of the research project AGRIPOLYS;
• participation in the research project AGRIPOLYS through experiments and the development of analytical methods;
• publication and presentation of research in international journal and conferences;
• contribution to administrative tasks in research and administration.

Being part of the VDS MES doctoral school, we expect the successful candidate to sign a doctoral thesis agreement within 12-18 months.

This is part of your personality:

• A master's degree in analytical chemistry, polymer chemistry, biochemistry, environmental chemistry, food chemistry, microbiology, or a closely related field.
• Laboratory experience in one or several of the above research fields is a strong asset.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (level C1).
• High motivation, independence, and reliability.

Mobility rule: Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Austria for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding the recruitment date.

What we offer:

• A supportive and stimulating working environment and excellent laboratory facilities;
• A fully funded position (full funding for 3 years) in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement (basic salary of EUR 3776,10 on a full-time basis);
• Scientific collaboration and secondments within and beyond the project network;
• A chance to live and work in Vienna - renowned for its high quality of life.

For any content-related questions, please contact:

Stella Maria Spanlang

[e-mail]

The University of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance toequal opportunities, the advancement of women anddiversity. We place particular emphasis on enhancing women's representation among the academic and general university staff, particularly in leadership roles, and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.

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Application deadline:11/30/2026