University Assistant Postdoctoral, Life Sciences

Emerging Scholars Council; Vienna (OH); On-site; USD 81,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Remote/hybrid options

600+ courses and coaching

Fixed-term contract with fair salary

Job summary

University of Vienna seeks a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology to join Prof. Narly Golestani's group.

The role focuses on cognitive neuroscience of language, multilingualism and spatial cognition, including entorhinal grid-like representations and MRI analyses. The candidate should hold a PhD in Biology/Life Sciences with biomedical engineering background, and strong data analysis and programming skills.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biology or Life Sciences with brain research focus.
• Dissertation in brain function and multilingualism preferred.
• Background in biomedical engineering.
• Experience with advanced brain imaging data analysis.
• Coding skills in Python, MATLAB, R and Linux/Bash.
• Strong English and German language skills (C1 preferred).
• Team player with good communication.

Responsibilities

• Active participation in research, teaching & administration.
• Develop and strengthen independent research profile.
• Involvement in research projects and international publications.
• Supervision of students and quality assurance tasks.
• Engagement in department administration and teaching activities.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

R

Linux/Bash

English skills

German skills

SPSS

JASP

Education

PhD in Natural Sciences/Life Sciences

Biomedical Engineering degree

Completed doctoral/PhD studies in Biology

Tools

SPM-Toolbox

FSL

Freesurfer

fMRIPrep

CONN-Toolbox

Job description

The University of Vienna is a community of over 10,000 individuals, including approximately 7,500 academic staff members, who passionately pursue answers to the profound questions that shape our future. Fueled by curiosity and a deep sense of duty, they contribute invaluable insights to research and teaching, enriching our society. Are you inspired and driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact? We are currently seeking a/an

University Assistant postdoctoral

50 Faculty of Life Sciences

Startdate: 01.12.2026 | Working hours: 40 | Collective bargaining agreement: 48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc) Limited until: 30.06.2029 Reference no.: 5966

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where over 7,500 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 Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to work in the research group of Prof. Narly Golestani. Applicants should have a strong interest and track record of research expertise in the cognitive neuroscience of language, multilingualism and spatial cognition, including entorhinal cortex based spatial grids and cognitive maps. The ideal candidate holds a degree in Biomedical Engineering, with a PhD in Natural Sciences/Life Sciences and a dissertation field of Biology. Experience in advanced analysis of fMRI (specifically, analysis of grid-like responses in the entorhinal cortex, resting state connectivity, Neuroimaging pipelines (SPM-Toolbox, FSL, Freesurfer, fMRIPrep, CONN-Toolbox) and of structural MRI data is required.

Your Future Tasks

Active participation in research, teaching & administration.

The successful candidate will participate in the Department’s research, teaching (to the extent regulated by the collective bargaining agreement) and administration.

This involves

• Developing and strengthening the independent research profile
• Involvement in research projects / research studies
• International publications and presentations
• Supervision of students
• Participation in evaluation measures and quality assurance
• Involvement in the department administration as well as in teaching and research administration

This Is Part Of Your Personality

• Completed doctoral/PhD studies in Biology
• Dissertation in the field of brain function and structure (ideally in relation to multilingualism and memory)
• Background in biomedical engineering
• Experience in advanced analysis of brain functional and structural data
• Coding skills (Python, MATLAB, R, Linux/Bash)
• Very good English and German skills (B1)
• Team player with strong social / communication skills
• Coding skills (SPSS, JASP, R)
• Very good English and German skills (at least C1), preferably good French skills (at least B2)
• Team player with strong social/ communication skills

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‑term contract and fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 5.014,30 (gross salary on full‑time basis,14 times a year). This can be higher if we can credit professional experience.
• Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

Narly Golestani

[e-mail]

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.

Application deadline: 10/23/2026

Post Doc