Postdoctoral Position, Max Perutz Labs

University of Vienna; Wien; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance

International team environment

Good public transport connections

Internal training & coaching

Fixed-term contract with fair salary

Job summary

The University of Vienna invites applications for a Postdoctoral position in the Falk Lab at Max Perutz Labs. You will study how C. elegans amplifies small RNAs to regulate gene expression, combining biochemistry, biophysics, and worm genetics.

This three-year project may be extended based on performance and funding. Responsibilities include active research, teaching activities, and supervision of students, with opportunities for manuscript preparation and conference presentations.

Qualifications

• PhD completed or near completion in biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, or related field.
• Extensive experience with recombinant protein production and purification.
• Experience with biophysical methods to assess oligomeric state, ligand binding, and monodispersity (SEC-MALS, mass photometry, ITC, MST, fluorescence anisotropy).
• Experience establishing enzymatic activity assays.
• Good written and spoken English; ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Drive your research project on the assembly and regulation of the small RNA amplification machinery, bridging in vitro reconstitution and biochemistry with C. elegans genetics.
• Meet with your supervisor regularly to prioritize tasks.
• Participate in group, campus, and workshop activities.
• Present at conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Seek training and coaching when useful to support the project.
• Educate and supervise Bachelor, Master, and PhD students.

Skills

Biochemistry

Molecular biology

Protein expression & purification

Independent project work

Teamwork & communication

Education

PhD in biochemistry / molecular biology / structural biology or related

Tools

SEC-MALS

Mass photometry

. ITC

MST

Fluorescence anisotropy

Job description

At the University of Vienna, almost 11,000 people work together on the big questions of the future. Approximately 7,700 of them are academic staff members. These are individuals who, with their curiosity and their continuous pursuit of excellence, engage in international cutting-edge research and teaching. With us, you will also find space to unfold your potential. We are looking for a/an ...

Postdoctoral position: assembly and regulation of the C. elegans small RNA amplification machinery

74 Max Perutz Labs

Startdate: 01.01.2027 | Working hours: 40 | Collective bargaining agreement: 48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc) Reference no.: 6299

The Max Perutz Labs is a joint research institute of the University of Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna. It was founded in 2005 to deepen the collaboration between the two universities in the field of molecular biosciences. Approximately 450 scientists from over 40 nations work in 40 research groups at the institute, investigating fundamental questions in molecular and cell biology. State-of-the-art research infrastructure supports their work in basic biomedical research.

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where over 7,700 brilliant minds have found a unique balance of freedom and support. Join us if you’re passionate about groundbreaking international research and academic excellence. Ready to be part of our team? Let’s shape the future together!

Your Personal Sphere Of Play

The Falk Lab studies how C. elegans amplifies small RNAs to regulate gene expression and protect the genome. This project combines biochemistry, biophysics, and worm genetics to dissect how this machinery functions both in vitro and in the animal. This position is limited for a period of 3 years with the option of extension.

Your Future Tasks

You actively participate in research, teaching, and administration, which means:

• Drive your research project on the assembly and regulation of the small RNA amplification machinery, bridging in vitro reconstitution and biochemistry with C. elegans genetics.
• Meet and consult with your supervisor regularly to prioritize your tasks.
• Participate in group, campus, and workshop activities.
• Present at conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Actively seek support through workshops, training, and coaching when useful.
• Contribute to the education and supervision of Bachelor, Master, and PhD students.

Required

• A PhD, completed or near completion, in biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, or a related field.
• Extensive experience with recombinant protein production and purification.
• Extensive experience with biophysical methods to assess oligomeric state, ligand binding, and mono- or polydispersity, for example SEC-MALS, mass photometry, ITC, MST, or fluorescence anisotropy.
• Extensive experience establishing enzymatic activity assays.
• Good written and spoken English and clear communication.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team and to drive a project.

Advantageous

• Experience working with C. elegans, including generation of transgenic animals, cytology, and phenotypic assessment.
• Familiarity with structural biology, cryo-EM or crystallography, or interest in integrating structural data.
• Experience with microscopy and computational image analysis.

General Expectations

• Present your work regularly and contribute to manuscripts and, where relevant, grant applications.
• Keep rigorous, well-documented, and reproducible records and data.
• Contribute to a collaborative and supportive lab environment.

What We Offer

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours, remote/hybrid and/or part-time work (upon agreement).

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment.

Good public transport connections: Your workplace in the center of beautiful Vienna is easily accessible by public transport.

Internal further training & Coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.

Fixed-termin contract and fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 5.079,50; (14 times a year) increases if we can credit professional experience. This position is limited for a period of 3 years with the option of extension.

Get off to a great start in your new job: the Welcome Compass helps you settle into your new role at the University of Vienna and life in Vienna.

Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

If You Have Any Questions, Please Contact

Sebastian Falk

[e-mail]

We look forward to new personalities in our team!

The University of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance to equal opportunities, the advancement of women and diversity. 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.

University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.

Data protection

Application deadline: 10/18/2026

Post Doc