TU-ID: 056 | 2025 | 40 | 257771
8 PhD Positions
30 hours/week | limited to 4 years
We announce 8 open PhD positions within the framework of the doctoral programme "GreenChem - TechHub", which is funded by the FFG, to be filled starting March 2026 for the duration of expected four (4) years. Each doctoral researcher will engage in a four-year research program, spending up to 3 years at the academic institution and 1 year embedded with an industry partner or continued employment at the academic institution with a secondment placement at industry, gaining valuable cross-sector experience in applied green chemistry and biotechnology. The positions are equivalent to part-time university assistantships (30 hours/week) and offer competitive remuneration according to FFG guidelines and the respective university's pay scale, including full social benefits.
The doctoral programme GreenChem-TechHub is a trilateral cooperation project between TU Wien (4 positions) and the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) (2 positions) and the University of Vienna (2 positions). Each PhD student will be supervised by at least two supervisors from the relevant disciplines, institutions, and industry partners.
PhD topics:
1. Biotechnological methanol valorization (BOKU/New Path Bio)
2. Production of biochemicals based on biodiesel and bioethanol waste (BOKU/Vogelbusch)
3. Membrane separation process for CO2 (TUW/ Voestalpine)
4. Sustainable polymer processing (UV/ BASF)
5.Starch modification (TUW/AGRANA)
6. Sustainable isotope labeling (UV/Boehringer)
7. Solvent-free reaction cascades using mechanochemistry (TUW/RDP)
8. Modular Polysaccharide-Platform based on Click chemistry (TUW/AGRANA)
Further details on the doctoral programme and the individual PhD topics can be found here.
The aim of the doctoral programme is to train outstanding young researchers who will contribute significantly to the advancement of Green Chemistry. This includes the development of sustainable chemical processes, the use of renewable raw materials, energy-efficient technologies, and environmentally benign methods for chemical production. The programme emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration between academia and industry, preparing graduates to address pressing environmental challenges through innovative and scalable solutions.
Tasks:
- Research in the field of Green Chemistry
- Deepen scientific knowledge and conduct independent research work on the specific projects
- Successful completion of important milestones and of the GreenChem-Techhub Doctoral Programme curriculum
- Presentation of research results at international conferences and other scientific events
- Writing publications and a PhD thesis
- Participation in scientific events and other outreach activities
- Participation in organizational and administrative tasks of the doctoral programme
Your profile:
- A diploma or master university degree in Green Chemistry or similar discipline
- Profound understanding of the fundamentals of Green Chemistry
- Interest and enthusiasm in research
- Excellent communication and writing skills in English
- Team player and advanced problem-solving skills
- Positive attitude and contribution to the work environment
We offer:
- Diverse and exciting research projects on cutting edge topics
- High-quality supervision by renowned scientists
- Ample possibilities for building an international research network, completing secondments, and establishing research collaborations
- Continuing personal and professional education
- Courses on transferable skills
- Competitive salary
- Social benefits (e.g., health insurance, etc.)
- Administrative support in study and organizational questions
People with special needs are equally encouraged to apply. In case of any questions, please contact the confidant for disabled persons at the university, Mr. Gerhard Neustätter.
Entry level salary is determined by the pay grade B1 of the Austrian collective agreement for university staff. This is a minimum of currently EUR 2,786.10/month gross, 14 times/year for 30 hours/week. Relevant working experiences may increase the monthly income.
We look forward to receiving your application until October 16th, 2025.
ATTENTION: We look forward to receiving your application for the open positions. Please indicate in your motivation letter for which of the research projects you are applying!
Applications must include the following documents:
- A CV based on the Europass template including publications, conference contributions, and other scientific activities (if applicable)
- A cover letter stating the preferred PhD topic(s) from the list of PhD projects, please rank and give motivation for your choices
- A one-page summary of the diploma/master thesis (+add more documents)
- Bachelor's and Master's degree certificates, if the degree certificate is not yet available, progress statement from the supervisor
- Transcripts of records of the Bachelor- and Master-studies
- A one-page outline on how you would approach the proposed project
- Two letters of recommendation to: karriere@tuwien.ac.at
After the initial screening process, selected applicants will be invited for an interview (either in person or online). The interview can include a brief presentation of their previous research. Additionally, the selected candidates may be asked to give a presentation on an article relevant to their selected PhD topic in the second round of the interviews (the article is sent to the candidate one week before the hearing). In addition, the implementation proposal for the project in question will be critically reflected on by the candidates as a decision criterion.
For further questions please contact one of the project leaders or the programme coordinator Muhammad Farooq ZIA (muhammad.zia@tuwien.ac.at).
