We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join an interdisciplinary team at the intersection of microbiology, engineering, and novel therapies. This ambitious project aims to automate and accelerate the evolution of bacteriophages using a lab-on-chip platform.

You'll be working at the Medical University of Vienna and the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, alongside engineers, biologists, chemists, physicists, and clinicians. Together, we aim to test and validate the system with clinically relevant bacterial strains.

Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) Biomedical Engineering

Tasks

Imagine:

• Be part of a project reimagining how bacteriophages can be evolved for therapeutic use.
• Contribute to building an automated, modular system capable of evolving and analyzing phages in parallel -- compressing weeks of manual work into days.
• Help lay the groundwork for next-generation antimicrobial solutions that address rising antibiotic resistance.

Engage:

• Design and prototype integrated sensor-actuator systems (optical, thermal, fluidic) to monitor and control phage-bacteria interactions.
• Work closely with microbiologists to test phage evolution in real-time against pathogenic bacterial strains.
• Explore uncharted territory in lab automation -- this role is ideal for someone curious, adaptable, and eager to try new things.
• Take the lead on experimental design, data analysis, and troubleshooting in collaboration with technicians and engineers.

Achieve:

• Design, develop and validate a new device for evolving phages under flow conditions, linking system design with biological performance.
• Contribute to publications and present at international scientific conferences.
• Help advance both applied technologies for phage therapy and basic research into phage-host dynamics.
• Drive forward collaborative innovation at the interface of biology and engineering.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience in biomedical engineering, biotechnology, technical physics, electrical/mechanical engineering, or related fields.
• (Optional) Experience with CAD-based microfluidic design and lab-on-chip systems.
• (Optional) Background in sensors, microfluidics, or lab automation.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.

What to Expect

• A full-time postdoctoral position for 16 months, with a planned start in Q4 2025 or Q1 2026 and the possibility of extension.
• Working locations at AIT and the Medical University of Vienna.
• AIT's Molecular Diagnostics department focuses on smart diagnostics, automation, and personalized health monitoring technologies.
• MUW's Department of Dermatology focuses on the genetic epidemiology of phages and bacteria to better understand phage infection dynamics.
• Work in a supportive, interdisciplinary team with access to modern lab infrastructure and rapid prototyping tools.
• Salary according to Austrian Science Fund (FWF) standards.
• Opportunities to publish, attend international conferences, and shape innovative tools in phage biology and therapy.

Salary

Salary according to Austrian Science Fund (FWF) standards

About this job

Employment type

Full Time (Permanent employment)

Salary

4,752 EUR monthly

Seniority level

Professional Experience

Work model

On-site

Places of work

Wien, Wien 21. Bezirk (Floridsdorf)

Field of work

Pharmaceutical, Health, Social, Engineering, Technical Jobs, Science, Research

Entry date

Position available from 01.12.2025

Work contract

Position limited until 01.05.2027

Unfilled vacancies

1 vacancy unfilled for this position

About the company

Employer

Medizinische Universitaet Wien

Number of employees

2501 - 10000 employees

Locations

Wien

Details about this job

Full Time (Permanent employment)

• Monday to Friday
• 38,5 hours

Places of work

• Wien
• Wien 21. Bezirk (Floridsdorf)

Nice-to-have skills

• lab-on-chip systems
• microfluidic design
• Microbiology

Required languages

• English B2

Nice-to-have languages

• German B2

All infos regarding your application

Application process

• Step 1: Application deadline: September 30, 2025
• Step 2: Interviews: Mid-October 2025, held either in Vienna or via video call
• Step 3: Referee contact: We will reach out to the referee you list in your application
• Step 4: Decision notification: By mid-November 2025
• Step 5: Project start: December 2025

Required application documents:

• Résumé
• Cover letter
• Contact details for at least one referee

Contact person

Matthias Wielscher
Wissenschaftler