PhD student position in symbiosis research on “The establishment of photosynthetic endosymbioses”
Start date: Ideally the 1st September 2026 (negotiable)
Supervisor: Assistant Professor Dr Megan Sørensen
Project Background:
Endosymbiotic partnerships led to the evolution, and subsequent spread, of eukaryotic photosynthesis, and as such have shaped evolutionary history. In addition, photosynthetic endosymbioses continue to play crucial roles in many modern ecosystems. However, there is much we do not know about the evolution of these important associations, in particular regarding how these relationships emerge and stabilise. This project will investigate these processes by using the tractable association between the protist host Paramecium bursaria and its photosynthetic Chlorella endosymbionts. This PhD project will seek to understand the molecular mechanisms that govern the transition from the free-living to the endosymbiotic state using a diverse range of experimental approaches, including: physiology, metabolomics, transcriptomics, photosynthetic measurements and microscopy.
Work environment:
You will join a vibrant and internationally-visible research community at the University of Vienna. You will be a member of Megan Sørensen’s team and you will be enrolled in the Doctoral School in Microbiology and Environmental Science at the Centre. The Doctoral school assembles an international, ambitious and committed team and offers an interdisciplinary scientific environment, cutting-edge laboratories and a creative working atmosphere. The working language of the group and the Centre is English.
Your tasks:
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Design and perform laboratory experiments
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Process, analyse and interpret data
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Present research results at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals
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Supervise students
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Take ownership of the project and contribute to its development
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Collaborate with others: in the group, the Centre and external collaborators
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Be a responsible and active member of the lab-group
Your profile:
We welcome applicants with a background in microbiology, molecular biology or plant sciences. Experience with any of the following is advantageous: microbial physiology, molecular techniques, symbioses, bioinformatics/computational analysis and photosynthetic organisms.
Requirements:
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Completed/or soon to be completed Masters in Biology or related area
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Passion, curiosity and motivation for research
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Lab-based research experience
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Willingness to learn new techniques, and to work both independently and as part of a team
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Problem-solving skills
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Excellent command of written and spoken English
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Excellent communication and organisation skills
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A position within a cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research environment
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Access to advanced analytical and computational infrastructure
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A supportive environment for scientific development and career growth
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Opportunities for international networking, conference participation, and publications
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Integration into a dynamic research community at the University of Vienna
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Membership in the Vienna Doctoral School Microbiology and Environmental Science.
Duration of contract:
The employment duration is 4 years. Initially 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.
Position:
This is a paid, full-time position with an employment contract in line with the standards of the University of Vienna.
Application:
Your application should be written in English and should consist of:
1. A letter of motivation (1 page max)
3. University certificates/transcripts from your Bachelor and Master’s degree (including grades).
4. Two reference letters – please ask for your reference letters to be directly sent to the email address below
The University of Vienna pursues a non-discriminatory employment policy and values equal opportunities, as well as diversity (http://diversity.univie.ac.at/ ).
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