Postdoctoral Research Position in Plant Phylogenomics, Austria
The University of Vienna is offering an outstanding postdoctoral research opportunity for early-career scientists specializing in plant systematics, phylogenomics, and evolutionary genomics. With more than 10,000 employees, including approximately 7,500 researchers and teaching staff, the University of Vienna is one of Europe’s leading research institutions. The university provides an international academic environment where researchers from different disciplines, cultures, and generations collaborate to address major scientific questions shaping the future.
The available position is a University Assistant Postdoctoral Researcher role within the Faculty of Life Sciences, specifically in the Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, Plant Phylogenomics Group. This opportunity is particularly suitable for researchers interested in understanding how genomic processes and evolutionary mechanisms have influenced plant diversity, adaptation, and the emergence of key biological traits.
Postdoctoral Position Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | University Assistant Postdoctoral Researcher |
| University | University of Vienna |
| Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
| Research Area | Plant Phylogenomics, Evolutionary Biology, Genomics |
| Job ID | 5305 |
| Starting Date | September 1, 2026 |
| Contract Duration | Until August 31, 2032 |
| Working Hours | 40 hours per week |
| Contract Classification | CBA §48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (Postdoc) |
| Application Deadline | July 10, 2026 |
| Location | Vienna, Austria |
About the Plant Phylogenomics Research Group
The successful candidate will join the Plant Phylogenomics Group within the Division of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany. The group investigates how genome-level evolutionary processes—including gene duplication, horizontal gene transfer, introgression, and natural selection—shape plant morphological, molecular, and phylogenetic diversity. Current research projects explore several major evolutionary questions, including:
- The evolution of floral scent in Onagraceae
- The evolution of sexual systems in Schiedea (Caryophyllaceae)
- The genomic origins of heterotrophy in liverworts
Across these projects, researchers focus on two central questions:
- What genomic signatures are associated with the emergence of major life-history traits?
- How do evolutionary innovations influence biodiversity and species diversification? To answer these questions, the research group combines experimental approaches with advanced computational methods, including gene and species phylogenetic analyses.
Research Freedom and Career Development
Unlike many externally funded research positions, this postdoctoral position is not tied to a specific third-party grant. This provides the selected researcher with significant flexibility to develop independent research projects within the scientific framework of the Plant Phylogenomics Group. The university welcomes candidates who can introduce new organismal perspectives and contribute research expertise across different lineages of land plants. Applicants with strong experience in:
- Plant genomics
- Molecular systematics
- Phylogenomics
- Long-read sequencing technologies
- Computational evolutionary biology
are particularly encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Researcher
The appointed researcher will contribute to research, teaching, mentoring, and academic administration. Main responsibilities include:
Independent Research Development
- Building an independent research profile in plant evolutionary biology
- Designing and developing new research projects
- Applying for competitive third-party research funding
- Publishing research findings in international scientific journals
Collaboration and Research Contribution
- Participating in ongoing projects within the Plant Phylogenomics Group
- Supporting collaborative publications as co-author
- Sharing expertise with researchers and students
Teaching and Student Supervision
- Teaching courses related to the researcher’s specialization
- Supervising and co-supervising Master’s and PhD students
- Training students in specialized research methods
Laboratory and Academic Support
- Supporting wet-lab and dry-lab infrastructure
- Contributing to research reports and administrative activities
- Participating in group management tasks
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate strong academic and research experience in plant evolutionary sciences. Required qualifications include:
- Completed PhD/doctoral degree in plant systematics, phylogenomics, or a closely related discipline
- Candidates completing their PhD before the position begins may also be considered
- Strong publication record in plant systematics or comparative genomics
- Advanced wet-lab experience in plant genomics
- Experience preparing genomic libraries for long-read sequencing
- Expertise in at least one lineage of land plants
- Knowledge of programming languages or advanced statistical methods
- Experience using high-performance computing systems in Linux environments
- Presentation experience at international scientific conferences
- Excellent written and spoken English proficiency (C1 level)
- Strong teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills
Salary and Benefits
The University of Vienna provides competitive employment conditions and professional development opportunities.
Salary
The basic salary is: EUR 5,014.30 per month (paid 14 times annually) Salary increases may apply depending on recognized professional experience.
Additional Benefits
Successful candidates will receive:
Flexible Work Options
- Flexible working hours
- Hybrid or remote working options when possible
- Part-time arrangements upon agreement
International Research Environment
- Collaboration with an international academic community
- Supportive and inclusive workplace culture
- Opportunities for scientific networking
Professional Development
Researchers have access to more than 600 internal training courses, coaching opportunities, and career development programs.
Location Advantage
The workplace is located in central Vienna with excellent public transportation connections and access to one of Europe’s most vibrant academic environments.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following materials:
- Complete academic curriculum vitae
- Cover letter explaining motivation and suitability for the position
- Research statement describing:
- Previous research experience
- Current interests
- Future research direction
(Maximum two pages)
- Doctoral degree certificate or expected completion date
- Contact information for three academic referees who can provide recommendation letters
- Applications must be submitted through APPLY NOW
- The deadline for applications is July 10, 2026.
Contact Information
For questions regarding this postdoctoral opportunity, applicants may contact: Norman Wickett Email: norman.wickett@univie.ac.at
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
The University of Vienna follows an equal opportunity employment policy and actively promotes diversity within its academic community. The university particularly encourages qualified women researchers to apply and supports increasing representation of women in senior academic positions. Where candidates have equal qualifications, preference may be given according to institutional equality policies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for the University of Vienna Postdoctoral Position 2026?
Researchers who have completed a PhD in plant systematics, phylogenomics, evolutionary biology, or a related field are eligible. Candidates who will complete their doctorate before the position start date may also be considered.
2. Is this a fully funded postdoctoral position?
Yes. The position includes a university salary and a fixed-term contract lasting up to six years, from September 2026 until August 2032.
3. What research areas are preferred for this postdoc opportunity?
The position focuses on plant phylogenomics, molecular systematics, comparative genomics, evolutionary biology, and biodiversity research.
4. Do applicants need experience with genomic sequencing?
Yes. Strong wet-lab experience in plant genomics, including preparation of genomic libraries for long-read sequencing, is highly desirable.
5. Can researchers from outside Austria apply?
Yes. The University of Vienna welcomes international applicants and maintains a highly international research environment.
6. What is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications is July 10, 2026.
7. What documents are required for application?
Applicants need a CV, cover letter, research statement, doctoral degree information, and contact details for three referees.
8. Does the position allow independent research projects?
Yes. Since the position is not funded by a specific external project, the researcher has flexibility to develop independent projects aligned with the Plant Phylogenomics Group’s research themes.
9. What language skills are required?
Applicants must have excellent written and spoken English skills equivalent to C1 proficiency.
10. Where is the University of Vienna located?
The university is located in Vienna, Austria, providing researchers access to a major European scientific and cultural center.
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