Job Description

At the University of Vienna, over 10,000 people work together on the big questions of the future. Approximately 7,500 of them are academic staff members. These are individuals who, with their curiosity and their continuous pursuit of excellence, engage in international cutting-edge research and teaching. With us, you will also find space to unfold your potential. We are looking for a/an

University Assistant Postdoctoral

52 Faculty of Chemistry

Job vacancy starting: 10/21/2026 (MM-DD-YYYY) | Working hours: 40.00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc)

Limited contract until: 10/20/2032

Job ID: 6217

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where over 7,700 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:

Your future place is at the Institute for Physiological Chemistry, at the Faculty of Chemistry. You will join the research group of Prof. Veronika Somoza, where you will find excellent opportunities for research in food chemistry and the bioactivity of food compounds. Flavor compounds play a crucial role in the selection and sensory perception of food. Achieving a deeper understanding of their chemistry and bioactivity on a molecular level will support the development of sustainable food products with high consumer preference. The institute is part of the Faculty of Chemistry and has access to various core facilities.

The position is limited to six years.

Your future tasks:

You will actively participate in research, teaching, and administration, which includes:

• Research on Taste GPCRs: Investigating the molecular mechanisms of G-protein-coupled taste receptors (GPCRs).
• Analysis of Structure-Activity Relationships: Exploring how the chemical structure of ligands controls receptor activation and how these processes affect physiological endpoints (e.g., satiety signals, cytokine levels).
• Conducting Human Studies: Designing, organizing, and executing animal trials as well as human clinical studies to investigate receptor functionality in relation to inflammatory processes and satiety regulation mechanisms.
• Elucidating Cellular Networks: Linking sensory phenotypes with the molecular and biological functions of GPCRs.
• Nurturing Young Talent: Supervising and training chemistry and food chemistry students during research-oriented Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD theses.
• Grant Acquisition Support: Assisting in the project application process and the acquisition of external third-party funding.
• Independent Teaching: Conducting university courses independently, primarily in the field of food chemistry, in accordance with collective agreement regulations.
• Administrative Duties: Taking on administrative tasks in both research and teaching.

This is part of your personality:

• Academic Degree: A completed PhD degree or equivalent academic research activity in food chemistry, food science, nutritional science, or a related field with a strong focus on the bioactivity of flavor compounds.
• Methodological Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge in handling complex analytical instruments as well as molecular biology techniques, including cell culture.
• Human Studies Experience: Proven experience in conducting and advancing human studies within sensory science and nutritional physiology, including experimental design, utilization of software tools, and integrated data analysis.
• Receptor Biochemistry: Sound knowledge of the function and regulation of taste GPCRs and their involvement in metabolic networks.
• Publication Track Record: Demonstrated research competence and self-reliance through international publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Teaching & Didactics: Strong didactical skills and experience in academic teaching, preferably in food chemistry; knowledge of e-learning methods is desirable.
• Mentorship: Experience in supervising doctoral and Master's students.
• Language Skills: Excellent English skills (C1 level); proficiency in German is desirable.
• Personal Attributes: A dedicated team player with strong social and 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 (14 times a year) for a period of 72 months increases if we can credit professional experience. The position is limited to six years.

Get off to a great start in your new job: the Welcome Compass helps you settle into your new role at the University of Vienna and life in Vienna.

Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

It is that easy to apply:

• With your scientific curriculum vitae / letter of intent
• With your list of publications
• With your summary of research interests (max. 1 p.)
• Doctoral Degree
• Contact details of persons who could provide reference letters
• Via our job portal/ Apply now - button

If you have any questions, please contact:

veronika.somoza@univie.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 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.

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​Application deadline: 09/30/2026 (MM-DD-YYYY)

Post Doc