Early-Stage Researcher – PhD Student (m/f/d)

Organisation/Company

University for Continuing Education Krems

Department

Research Lab for Aquatic Ecosystem Research and -Health

Research Field

Biological sciences

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Positions

PhD Positions

Application Deadline

19 Mar 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Vienna)

Country

Austria

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Part-time

Hours Per Week

30

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme

Reference Number

SB26-0048

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

No

University for Continuing Education Krems

The University for Continuing Education Krems specializes in part-time academic continuing education. As a public university, it works with its expertise in teaching and research to overcome societal challenges. The university combines many years of experience in continuing academic education with innovation and the highest quality standards in research and teaching. Krems is located in the unique UNESCO World Heritage region of the Wachau, 60 km from Vienna.

The following position is available to strengthen our team of the Research Lab for Aquatic Ecosystem Research and -Health at the Faculty of Health and Medicine:

Early-Stage Researcher – PhD Student (m/f/d) 

30 hrs./week

Advertisement No. SB26-0048

Project Background:

The PhD position is embedded in a third-party funded (FWF) research project investigating the physiological and neurobiological effects of dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on aquatic invertebrates. The project combines experimental ecology, lipid biochemistry, neurophysiology, and behavioural ecology, using Daphnia spp. as model organisms. The overarching aim is to elucidate how dietary lipid quality affects neuronal membrane composition, receptor function, perception, and behaviour, with implications for ecosystem functioning and human health.

Your tasks

• Design and conduct laboratory experiments on dietary manipulation in aquatic invertebrates
• Cultivation and experimental handling of Daphnia species under controlled conditions
• Analysis of lipid composition using chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques (GC-FID, HPLC-MS/MS, MALDI-MS imaging)
• Neurobiological analyses including immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy
• Behavioural assays (e.g. phototaxis, predator cue perception) and electrophysiological measurements
• Field sampling of zooplankton along environmental gradients
• Statistical analysis and interpretation of experimental data
• Publication of research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Presentation of findings at national and international conferences
• Contribution to project coordination and supervision of student assistants
• Completion of the PhD program “Regenerative Medicine ” at the University for Continuing Education Krems
• Completion and submission of a dissertation within three years as part of the PhD program Regenerative Medicine

Your profile

We require evidence of the following qualifications for the application:

• University master’s degree in the fields of Biology, Ecology, Biochemistry, Chemistry of a related discipline
• Strong interest in experimental research and interdisciplinary work
• Experience with laboratory work (handling pipettes, working in sterile and clean environments, etc.)
• Willingness to conduct field work
• Ability to work independently as well as in an international research team
• Knowledge of using Python or R
• Very good written and spoken English (min. B2)

In addition, the following criteria are desirable:

• basic knowledge of analytical chemistry, neurobiology, or behavioural ecology
• Experience in handling and maintaining invertebrate species

Your perspective

• Part-time position (30 hours/week) initially limited to 3 years
• minimum salary of EUR 3,776.10 gross per month (14x) on a full-time basis
• classification as a scientific project staff member according to § 49 VwGr. B1, Kollektivvertrag für Universitäten (collective agreement for universities)
• Innovative and modern working environment at the Campus Krems
• Possibility of home office and mobile working
• Extensive benefits such as: very good further training opportunities as part of our own study programs, a wide range of company health promotion programs and the University Sports Institute (USI)

The University for Continuing Education Krems sees high innovation potential in the diversity of its employees and is committed to diversity as a guiding principle. We therefore explicitly invite people with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses who meet the required profile criteria to apply for the position. 

We look forward to receiving your online application by 19 March 2026 via our online tool: 
https://www.donau-uni.ac.at/jobs

Your application should include:

• Cover letter (max. two pages)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Degrees and transcripts
• Letters of recommendation are an advantage, if available

Website

https://www.donau-uni.ac.at/jobs

Research Field

Biological sciences

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Good

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

University for Continuing Education Krems

Country

Austria

State/Province

Lower Austria

City

Krems an der Donau

Postal Code

3500

Street

Dr.-Karl-Dorrek Straße 30

State/Province

Lower-Austria

City

Krems an der Donau

Website

https://www.donau-uni.ac.at

Street

Dr. Karl-Dorrek-Straße 30

Postal Code

3500

E-Mail

bewerbung@donau-uni.ac.at

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