Postgraduate Research Associate (project employment) / Reference Code 203

The Department of Forest and Soil Sciences, Institute of Forest Ecology is currently seeking a Postgraduate Research Associate (project employment).

Extent of employment: 30 hours per week
Duration of employment: 1^st of March 2023, limited to 28^th of February 2026

Workplace: Vienna, Tulln and Groß-Enzersdorf

Gross monthly salary and pay grade in terms of collective agreement for university staff (payable 14 times per year): B1, € 2.294,00

Responsibilities

• Scientific research in the EU project “BarleyMicroBreed”, assessing barley phenotypes above-and belowground, and microbiomes
• Carry out field and lab studies (root and shoot phenotyping, analyses of isotopes, root traits, C sequestration potential, infer seedling to mature root system architecture, …) in Austria, and in close collaboration with partners across the EU
• Co-develop and test advanced, imaging-based root phenotyping technologies
• Support scientific project management
• Disseminate results via scientific publications, conferences, and to non-academic stakeholders
• Supervise undergraduate students and interns

Required skills and qualifications

• Diploma degree in Plant, Cop Sciences or other equivalent university degree
• Very good level of English (written and oral)
• Interest to unravel the “hidden half” (of barley)
• Good knowledge on (root)phenotyping approaches, incl. imaging-based techniques
• Interest and knowledge on statistical methods
• Willingness to study for a PhD at BOKU

Desirable skills and qualifications

• Experience with root sampling and processing
• Experience with the analysis and interpretation of large datasets and/or modelling
• Ability to work in a team, incl. active communication skills
• German language skills are an advantage
• Driving license “B” (for field work)

University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna seeks to increase the number of its female faculty and staff members. Therefore qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply. In case of equal qualification, female candidates will be given preference unless reasons specific to an individual male candidate tilt the balance in his favour.

People with disabilities and appropriate qualifications are specifically encouraged to apply.

Please send your job application incl.

• motivation letter
• CV
• names and contact information of two referees

to BarleyMicroBreed@boku.ac.at, Reference code: 203.

We regret that we cannot reimburse applicants travel and lodging expenses incurred as part of the selection and hiring process.

www.boku.ac.at