DOME International PhD & Postdoc Program

Who we are and what we do

We are an ambitious team of research groups that aim at conducting microbial ecology research and training at the forefront of science. The main research topics at DOME include microbial symbioses and the ecology and evolution of key microorganisms of the global nitrogen, carbon and sulfur cycles. In addition, all groups are continuously developing novel molecular, microscopic, and isotope tracer methods (such as FISH, Raman microspectroscopy, and NanoSIMS) and applying them to identify and characterize microorganisms with major importance for the functioning of the investigated systems. These studies are complemented by (meta-) genome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome analyses of microbial key players and complex microbial communities.

The research and mentoring philosophy at DOME strongly encourages collaboration and discussions among DOME members and with other research groups. We do not regard research progress as complying to a fixed set of rules, but as a dynamic process propelled through reasoned argument and discussion.

DOME is part of the Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science and has active collaborations with various research groups from the faculties of Life Sciences and Chemistry and the Max-von-Perutz Laboratories, which offers excellent and easily accessible research opportunities. We further maintain strong interactions and interdisciplinary research projects with many international groups.

Faculty

Why should I join the DOME team?

From young & dynamic to established & experienced - the DOME team has it all.

A fundamental goal of graduate and postgraduate research training at DOME is producing independent ideas-led scientists. Your time at DOME should thus be a guide to independence.

Regular research meetings in smaller groups and with all DOME members ensure vital opportunities for scientific exchange and discussion.

We will support you at all stages of writing, submitting, and revising scientific publications. A successful PhD will typically have published three manuscripts as first author in international, peer-reviewed journals.

We will help you in project development and chaperone you during your endeavour to raise own funds at latter stages of the PhD or postdoc program.

We will promote your networking in the scientific community by enabling collaborations with international institutes and by supporting travel to international conferences.

Success in academia or industry requires more than technological skills. Being a scientist at DOME provides ample opportunities to develop your communication and writing abilities and other transferable skills.

And last but not least...besides all the work and science, we also like to have a good time!

In a nutshell...

• Work in a motivating and internationally competitive scientific environment
• Continuous support in research and career planning
• Mentoring and coaching
• Competitive salary (about € 50.000 postdoc and € 28.000 PhD candidate gross salary per year) and full health coverage

How and when to apply

Positions are continuously available within the research teams at DOME and thus we welcome applications from highly enthusiastic and talented young scientists at any time.

Applicants need to hold a degree that makes them eligible for a doctoral or Postdoc position or finish their studies within the next six months.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background and work experience in fields ranging from ecology, evolution, genomics, bioinformatics, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, and molecular biology.

If interested, please apply by sending a single PDF file including a one-page cover letter that describes your motivation for application, your CV, a brief statement of technical skills, research experiences and interests, and contact information for at least two academic referees to positions.dome@univie.ac.at

Please also indicate if you are interested in obtaining a personal stipend (see below).