30 Fully Funded PhD Positions in Biomedical Research & Engineering (incl. AI/ML) at MedUni Vienna

3 Apr 2026
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Medizinische Universität Wien (Medical University of Vienna)

Department

Rektorat

Research Field

Chemistry » Biochemistry
Chemistry » Molecular chemistry
Computer science » Programming
Computer science » Modelling tools
Neurosciences » Neurobiology
Neurosciences » Neurology
Neurosciences » Neurochemistry
Pharmacological sciences » Clinical pharmacology
Medical sciences » Cancer research
Medical sciences » Medicine
Other
Technology » Biotechnology
Medical sciences » Health sciences

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Positions

PhD Positions

Application Deadline

26 Apr 2026 - 23:55 (Europe/Vienna)

Country

Austria

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Part-time

Hours Per Week

30

Offer Starting Date

15 Jul 2026

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

These positions are offered within the framework of a structured PhD call at Medical University of Vienna.

PhD candidates are employed as scientific staff with salaries within a research group and work on a defined research project within a broader scientific area. The project provides a framework, which is further developed together with the supervising Principal Investigator (PI).

Within this framework, PhD candidates are expected to take ownership of their project, including contributing to the design of experiments, analyses, or models, and driving the project forward in close exchange with their supervisor.

Research topics span biomedical, clinical, and engineering-oriented questions, including experimental, computational, and translational approaches.

List of open projects: 

AI, Imaging & Biomedical Engineering

• AI models using imaging and genetics to predict breast cancer risk and tumour aggressiveness in BRCA variant carriers
• Digital biomarkers for enhanced AI-guided therapy in heart failure (D-BEAT)
• Experimental models for optimizing cardiovascular implant surfaces towards enhanced hemocompatibility

Inflammation, Immunology & Cardiovascular Disease

• Thrombo-inflammatory drug candidates in humanized mouse models of abdominal aortic aneurysms
• From infection to thrombosis: mechanisms linking infection and coagulation
• Impact of immunothrombosis on pulmonary disease manifestations
• Platelets as biomarkers for safer blood-contacting medical devices
• Effect of endothelial interaction with circulating blood cells in thrombus resolution and post-thrombotic disorders
• Elucidating the role of IgG antibodies in atherosclerosis
• The role of T cells in atherosclerosis and heart attacks
• Clonal hematopoiesis in chronic inflammation and cardiovascular disease
• Linking inflammatory and metabolic changes to procoagulant phenotypes and clinical outcomes in thrombosis
• Impact of mechanical stress on macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions
• Towards development of fibroblast-targeting therapeutic approaches in systemic sclerosis (SSc)
• Ashwagandha Supplementation in Endometriosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial Integrating Clinical and Mechanistic Outcomes
• Clinical and Translational Research in Inherited Bleeding Disorders, with Emphasis on Hemophilia
• Role of histamine in the pathophysiology of thrombosis in histamine sensitive species

Metabolism, Kidney & Systemic Disease

• Metaflammation in Kidney Diseases and Dialysis

Molecular Biology, Transport & Cancer Mechanisms

• Molecular understanding of chemotherapy response and resistance in colorectal cancer using complex organoids
• Studying the molecular mechanism of the lysosomal dipeptide transporter MFSD1
• Biophysical properties of organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3)
• Hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer risk and outcomes in germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 variant carriers

Neuroscience & Systems Biology

• Prefrontal circuits for value-based decision making
• The role of neuromodulation in prosocial behavior in health and disease
• Validation of novel peripheral pain targets
• The impact of dyslipidemia on hematoiesis in the skull
• MRI-based in vivo histology of Multiple Sclerosis

PhD candidates:

• contribute to the design and execution of their research
• work with relevant methods and technologies in their field
• interpret and discuss results within the research group
• present their work in group meetings and at scientific events

The program brings together PhD students, clinicians, and researchers working on related questions, allowing regular exchange with peers across disciplines.

For applicants with a medical background, projects offer the opportunity to engage with clinically relevant research questions and to develop a deeper understanding of underlying mechanisms and research methodologies. Some projects involve interaction with clinical data or patient-oriented research contexts.

All candidates work in a structured academic environment, with regular interaction within the research group and participation in scientific exchange.

During the PhD, candidates develop:

• the ability to independently design and advance a research project
• strong methodological skills (experimental, computational, or translational)
• experience in scientific communication, including presenting and discussing results
• the ability to critically analyse scientific questions and data

This provides a foundation for:

• a career in academic research
• clinician-scientist pathways for medical graduates
• roles in research-intensive environments in industry or healthcare
• roles in the public sector

The position is suited for candidates who want to:

• take responsibility for a clearly defined research project
• develop expertise within a specific scientific area
• work in a collaborative and academically active environment

Where to apply

Website

https://oc10.meduniwien.ac.at/en/open-phd-positions

Requirements

Research Field

Biological sciences » Biological engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Biological sciences » Other

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Chemistry » Biochemistry

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Computer science » Modelling tools

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Computer science » Programming

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Engineering » Biomedical engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Technology » Biotechnology

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Neurosciences » Neurobiology

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Neurosciences » Neurochemistry

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Neurosciences » Neurology

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Medical sciences » Cancer research

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Medical sciences » Medicine

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Pharmacological sciences » Clinical pharmacology

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Medical sciences » Health sciences

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• Master’s degree or MD (or equivalent) in a relevant field (e.g. medicine, biomedicine, biology, biomedical engineering, data science or related disciplines)
• Applicants who are currently completing their Master’s degree are eligible to apply, provided they will graduate within the next 6 months
• For applicants with an MD: interest in developing research skills beyond clinical training
• Academic background relevant to the selected project area
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken)

Specific Requirements

• Clear interest in a defined research area aligned with one or more of the advertised project areas
• Willingness to work on a project-based research question within an existing research group
• Active engagement in the academic environment, including:
  • participation in group meetings and seminars
  • presentation and discussion of own work
  • exchange with peers and collaborators
• Ability to read, understand, and critically engage with scientific literature
• Prior hands-on research experience (e.g. Master’s thesis, experimental work, or comparable experience)
• Solid foundation in the relevant field of study
• Good working knowledge of concepts and methods related to the selected project area
• For applicants with a clinical background (MD):
• Motivation to transition from clinical training into research-oriented work
• Willingness to engage with experimental, computational, or translational research approaches
• Readiness to develop and apply methodological skills relevant to the project
• Applicants are expected to:
• Select project preferences based on genuine and focused research interests
• Explain how their previous training relates to the chosen project area(s)

• Demonstrate relevant knowledge of the field, and ideally of the specific topic of the selected project

  Applications that do not show a clear connection to the selected project area(s) are unlikely to be considered.

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Research Field

Biological sciences » Laboratory animal scienceBiological sciences » Biological engineeringChemistry » BiochemistryChemistry » Molecular chemistryComputer science » Modelling toolsComputer science » ProgrammingEngineering » Biomedical engineeringTechnology » BiotechnologyNeurosciences » NeurobiologyNeurosciences » NeurologyNeurosciences » NeurochemistryMedical sciences » Cancer researchMedical sciences » MedicineMedical sciences » Health sciencesOther

Years of Research Experience

None

Additional Information
Benefits

• Employment as an Early Stage Researcher with competative salary (including health insurance and pension scheme)
• No tuition fees (up to 9 semesters)
• Work within an interdisciplinary research environment across biomedical, clinical, and engineering fields
• Opportunity to develop your project within a defined framework, with scope to shape specific research questions together with your PI
• Access to modern and specialised research infrastructure, including advanced imaging, AI-based approaches, and experimental platforms
  • New research facilities are currently being developed, with the first building scheduled to open in autumn 2026
• Integration into research groups with PhD students, clinicians, and senior researchers working on related topics
• Possibility to work on projects with clinical relevance, including access to patient data or translational research settings where applicable
• Participation in a structured PhD program, with training elements that can be adapted to your research focus
• Opportunities to present and discuss your work within the scientific community
• Access to advanced training courses and an additional mentoring program
• Integration into an international research environment
• Subsidised public transport (job ticket) provided for travel within Vienna
• Location in Vienna, consistently ranked among the most liveable cities worldwide, offering a high standard of living and a well-functioning public infrastructure

Eligibility criteria

• Applicants must hold (or be close to completing) a Master’s degree or MD (or equivalent) in a relevant field (e.g. medicine, biomedicine, biology, biomedical engineering, data science or related disciplines)
  • Applicants who are currently completing their degree are eligible to apply if graduation is expected within the next 6 months
• Applicants must be eligible for doctoral studies at Medical University of Vienna
• Applicants must meet the specific requirements of the selected project(s)
• Applicants must demonstrate a clear alignment with at least one of the advertised project areas
• Applicants must be able to participate in a part-time, on-site PhD program in Vienna
• Applicants must provide two referees, who submit their recommendation via the designated online system
  • No alternative submission formats are accepted
• Proficiency in English sufficient for scientific work and communication is required

Selection process

Applications must be submitted via the online recruitment system by the stated deadline

• Applications submitted outside the system or after the deadline will NOT be considered
• No prior contact with PIs is required or expected
• Applications can only be submitted once two referee reports have been received via the portal
• Shortlisted candidates are invited to an online interview (mid-May) to meet with members of the recruiting board
• Final-stage candidates are invited to an on-site visit (end of June). Travel costs are largely fully covered by university.
  • Participation in the in-person visit is mandatory to be considered for final selection . The visit is an integral part of the selection process, as it allows both the candidate and the research group to assess scientific and personal fit

  • A PhD represents a 3–4 year commitment for both sides, and the visit supports an informed decision

    For questions, please contact the PhD Call Coordinator: phdrecruitment@meduniwien.ac.at

Additional comments

Further information on our PhD programs: https://www.meduniwien.ac.at/web/en/studies-further-education/phd-doctoral-programmes/phd-programme-un094/

Admission to the PhD program is only possible through successful participation in this PhD call.
General university admission deadlines or procedures do not apply to this recruitment process.

Website for additional job details

https://oc10.meduniwien.ac.at/open-phd-positions

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

30

Company/Institute

Medical University Vienna

Country

Austria

State/Province

Vienna

City

Vienna

Postal Code

1090

Street

Spitalgasse 23

Geofield

Contact

City

Vienna

Website

http://www.meduniwien.ac.at

Street

Spitalgasse 23

Postal Code

1090

E-Mail

stephanie.danzinger@meduniwien.ac.at

Phone

01401602133

STATUS: EXPIRED

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