The
Diagnostic & Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine
is looking for a
Tenure Track Professor of Functional Culturomics in Microbiome Research
Identification number: DFI-HYGIE-2026-003721
Application time:
05/14/2026
We are looking for an excellent researcher with great potential to develop an internationally recognized research agenda in the field of functional culturomics.
The strategic research field 鈥淢icrobiome and Infection鈥� at the Medical University of Graz focuses on the human microbiome and its interaction with its host. Following a systems biology framework, we have developed a research pipeline spanning (clinical) microbiome profiling, functional experimentation, and predictive in silico modeling. Our success is reflected in high-impact publications, strong third-party funding (FWF, EU, ERC), and international scientific visibility. Within the Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, we aim to functionally
understand key microbial species and communities that shape ecosystem stability and human health. One particularlynovel strength is the combination of advanced anaerobic cultivation with multi-omics functional analysis.
State-of-the-art infrastructure across the institutes and research facilities provides cutting-edge anaerobic cultivation platforms, a high-throughput single-cell dispenser, advanced computational resources, and access to excellent core facilities. These resources are embedded in a strong international network of academic and industry partners that includes the FWF 鈥淢icroPlanet鈥� and 鈥淢etAGE鈥� Clusters of Excellence, creating an ideal environment for an outstanding researcher to establish an internationally visible program in Functional Culturomics.
The initial appointment is limited to six years. After the conclusion of a qualification agreement, the career advancement goal is to transfer to a tenured position as an associate professor (tenure track professor pursuant to 搂 99 para. 5 and 6 of the Universities Act). If the candidate demonstrates outstanding and remarkable achievements, the qualification agreement may be fulfilled more quickly.
Core duties and responsibilities:
- Conducting cutting-edge research in the field of Functional Culturomics with a focus on the cultivation,
isolation, and physiological characterization of human keystone microorganisms in pure cultures or
natural/synthetic communities
- Producing high-quality scientific publications on a regular basis in the field of microbiology, microbiome,
and/or infection research
- Leading an internationally recognized research group and acquiring third-party funding
- Networking through national and international research collaborations
- Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, supervising diploma and PhD students, and mentoring
and promoting young researchers
- Supporting scientific and public outreach in the research area
Successful candidates must have the following qualifications:
- PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in microbiology or a related field
- Profound research expertise in the field of microbiome research, microbial cultivation, and microbial
physiology
- Proven track record of high-quality publications and peer-reviewed research grants or other third-party
funding as a lead or principal investigator
- Experience in leading a research group
- Previous experience in teaching and/or (co)supervising pre- and postgraduate students
- Postdoctoral research fellowship abroad or at a different institution than where the PhD was completed
- High level of proficiency in both written and spoken English (equivalent to proficiency level C1 of the
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
The ideal candidate has the following profile:
- Expertise in anaerobic microorganisms
- Team player able to motivate colleagues and students
- Responsible work habits and problem-solving skills
- Empathy as well as communication and social skills
- Management and leadership skills
- Gender and diversity skills
Entry date:
03/25/2026
limited to 6 years
initially limited to 6 years, becoming a tenured position when the qualification agreement is met
Level of employment: 100%
Classification in employment group
A2
according to the collective agreement for university employees.
Application: The Medical University of Graz invites all applicants to submit their application online by May 14, 2026.
Please note that we can only consider complete applications that have been received by the application deadline. A list of the documents to be submitted can be found here.
Statutory information: The minimum remuneration is based on the collective agreement for university employees (KV § 49.2).
Scheduled date for job interview: July 2, 2026 at the Medical University of Graz
The Medical University of Graz is committed to increasing the proportion of women in management positions at universities in Austria and encourages qualified women to apply. Among applicants with equal qualifications, female applicants will be given priority. We also welcome applications from qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage them to apply.
Due to technical conditions, there may be restrictions on online applications. If you cannot access the application form using "Apply Now", please send your application documents to bewerbung@medunigraz.at.
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