Your personal sphere of influence:As a PhD student (university assistant predoctoral) in the laboratory of Pim Huis in ’t Veld, you will investigate mechanisms of cell division. When cells divide, they need to transmit a complete and damage-free copy of the genome to both arising daughter cells. This requires that sister chromatids are completely resolved from one another. If that is not the case, connected pieces of DNA are stretched into so-called DNA bridges when chromatids part in anaphase.The Huis lab studies the protein machinery that recognizes and processes DNA bridges in human cells. For a mechanistic understanding, we combine reconstitution biochemistry with cell biology, structural biology, and biophysics. We strive to gain insight into error-prone cell division in human disease and to discover fundamental principles of cell division. In your project, you will study protein-DNA transactions during mitosis that are crucial to maintain genome stability via bottom-up biochemical reconstitution and mechanism cell biology.We are looking for a candidate that is enthusiastic about the mission of the lab: unravelling the intricacies of the molecules that make our cells divide correctly. As a member of a new lab, you will work closely together with colleagues and the group leader and shape the team in the coming years. We strive for a supportive feedback culture, a diverse and international team, and a place for creative and rigorous science.Our freshly renovated lab is located on the 5th floor of the Max Perutz Labs where Chromosome Biology and Biochemistry come together. We are a part of the Vienna Biocenter (VBC), providing PhD students with a state-of-the-art scientific infrastructure, unique opportunities for scientific and personal development, as well as a large network of peers. Vienna is a beautiful, vibrant, and affordable city.Your future tasks:You actively participate in research, teaching, and administration, which means:Contribute to the investigation of protein-DNA transactions during anaphasePresent your work in lab meetings, institute seminars, and meetings with your thesis advisory committeeFinalise your dissertation agreement within 12-18 monthsComplete your dissertation and participate in the preparation of research papersParticipate in teaching within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreementSupervision of BSc and MSc students
This is part of your personality: Ability to work in a team and excellent communication skillsUniversity degree in Biology, Biotechnology or BiochemistryExcellent command of written and spoken English (C1 level or higher)Basic experience in academic writingSuccessful completion of the VBC PhD programme selectionExperience in mammalian cell culture and fluorescence microscopy is requiredExperience with molecular cloning and genome editing methods is desiredExperience with recombinant protein purification and biophysical characterization is required
What we offer:Employment duration: The employment duration is 3 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 3 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a declaration of non-extension. With appropriate work progress, an extension to a total maximum of 4 years is possibleFair salary: EUR 3.776,10 gross per month (on full-time basis), 14x per year. Job grading in accordance with collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc). Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible, family-friendly working hours.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.Equal opportunities for everyone: We look forward to diverse personalities in the team!
It is that easy to apply:With your scientific curriculum vitaeShort motivation letter with reference to PhD program applicationMaster Degree / DiplomaVia our job portal/ Apply now - buttonIf you have any questions, please contact:Pim Joannes Huis in t Veld pim.huis@univie.ac.atWe 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 lay special emphasis on increasing the number of women in senior and in academic positions among the academic and general university staff 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 protectionApplication deadline: 02/05/2026
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