University assistant predoctoral

The University of Vienna is a community of almost 11,000 individuals, including approximately 7,700 academic staff members, who passionately pursue answers to the profound questions that shape our future. They represent individuals driven by curiosity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With us, they find the space to try things out and unfold their potential. Are you inspired by their passion and determination? We are currently seeking a/an

 

University assistant predoctoral 

50 Faculty of Life Sciences  

Job vacancy starting: 04/01/2026 Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) 

Limited contract until: 

Job ID: 5341

There are many good reasons to want to conduct research and teach at the University of Vienna. And there is one reason why around 7,500 academic staff members have chosen this university before you: they see themselves as individuals who need the freedom and space to pursue their curiosity and their continuous ambition in order to succeed scientifically. Is that what you are looking for as well? Then we warmly welcome you to our team!

Your personal sphere of influence:

The research group "Neuronal Network Dynamics and Behaviour" led by Prof. Dr. Manuel Zimmer at the Department of Neuroscience and Developmental Biology, University of Vienna, invites applications for a position as University Assistant, Praedoc. We expect you to conclude your doctoral thesis agreement, including an application to one of the Universit of Vienna doctoral schools (e.g., CoBeNe, ?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvds-cobene.univie.ac.at%2F&module=jobs&id=3215742" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvds-cobene.univie.ac.at%2F&module=jobs&id=3215742" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://vds-cobene.univie.ac.at/) within 12-18 months. 

 

As a University Assistant (Praedoc), you will become part of our research team and contribute to projects investigating the neuronal mechanisms underlying the regulation of sleep in animals. We combine experimental and quantitative approaches to understand how neuronal network dynamics control state transitions and the organization of behavior.

 

The scientific focus of our group is the investigation of large-scale neuronal network dynamics in the model organisms Caenorhabditis elegans and Danionella cerebrum. Using advanced microscopy and imaging techniques--including neuronal activity measurements across the entire brain at single-cell resolution--as well as modern methods in neuronal genetics, optogenetics, and cell biology, we aim to uncover fundamental principles of brain function.

 

Our team currently consists of four postdoctoral researchers, twelve PhD candidates (Praedocs), one Senior Scientist, a Lab Manager, and administrative staff. We are characterized by a broad range of disciplinary backgrounds--from molecular biology and systems neuroscience to computational neuroscience, physics, and optics. This interdisciplinarity forms the basis of our close and collaborative working environment. We place great emphasis on team spirit, initiative, and scientific excellence at the highest international level.

Your future tasks:

You will actively contribute to research, teaching, and administration. This includes:

o Contributing to our research project investigating brain dynamics and cellular molecular mechanisms in C. elegans that underlie transitions between sleep and wake states. You will conduct quantitative behavioral analyses as well as neuronal activity measurements in freely moving animals. In combination with genetic approaches, you will characterize the molecular signaling pathways and neurotransmitters that regulate neuronal arousal states such as sleep and wakefulness.

o We expect you to conclude your doctoral thesis agreement within 12-18 months.

o Working on and completing your doctoral dissertation.

o Independently teaching courses in accordance with the provisions of the collective agreement.

o Taking on administrative responsibilities in research and teaching.

This is part of your personality:

• Completed Master’s or Diploma degree in Biology or a related field; specialization in neurobiology is an advantage.
  
  o Strong experience in scientific writing as well as in experimental and computational research methods, in particular:
  
      - experimental work with C. elegans
      - experience with modern microscopy techniques (e.g., spinning-disk confocal microscopy, light-sheet microscopy)
      - analysis of large imaging datasets using advanced image processing and segmentation methods
      - computational and statistical analysis of large-scale neuronal activity datasets
  
  o Very good programming skills in Python (mandatory).
  
  o Teaching experience and an interest in contributing to academic instruction.
  
  o Excellent command of English, both written and spoken.
  
  o Strong team orientation and well-developed social and communication skills.
  
  

What we offer:

Work-life balance: You benefit from flexible working hours and the possibility of partial remote work.

Inspiring work environment: You will be part of an international team with excellent research infrastructure in a collegial and dynamic atmosphere.

Excellent public transport connections: Your new workplace is easily accessible by public transportation.

Internal training and coaching: We continuously offer opportunities to expand and deepen your professional skills.

Fair salary: The base salary amounts to EUR 3,776.10 gross per month (full-time basis on Praedoc) and may increase depending on relevant prior professional experience.

Equal opportunities: We welcome every additional personality who enriches our team.

The employment duration is 4 years. Initialy limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 4 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a non-extension declaration.

 

It is that easy to apply:

• Please submit:
  o Your academic CV and a letter of intent
  o A summary of your research interests / dissertation concept
  o Proof of completion of your Master’s or Diploma degree
  
  Applications must be submitted via our job portal using the "Apply Now" button.
  
  

 

If you have any questions, please contact:

Manuel Zimmer  

manuel.zimmerunivie.ac.at

 

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: 03/22/2026 

Prae Doc

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