We are a leading research organisation in the area wood and wood-related renewable resources in Europe. Our core competences are materials research and process technology along the complete value chain – from raw material to finished products. More than 120 highly qualified researchers are developing methods and basics and perform applied research on the economy-science interface, in order to enable resource-efficient management in the circular bioeconomy.
For support in the numerous research projects we are looking for a:
PhD position – 40h/week (f/m/d)
Starting date: September 2026
(fixed-term contract: 3 years)
Topic: Yeast metabolic engineering for platform chemicals production from biorefinery substrates
Your responsibility:
- Metabolic engineering of non-conventional yeast strains using state-of-the-art techniques (e.g. Golden Gate Cloning and CRISP/Cas9 genome editing)
- Development of a fermentation process for dicarboxylic acids production from pretreated lignocellulosic substrates and industrial side streams
- Purification, characterisation and sustainability assessment of generated platform chemicals
- Independent data analysis and visualisation for company meetings and funding agencies
- Representation of our research institute at national and international scientific meetings
Your qualifications:
- Completion of a relevant master’s degree (e.g. biotechnology, microbiology, chemistry, etc.)
- Strong interest in biotechnological processes, the pre-treatment of lignocellulosic materials, working with microorganisms, genetic engineering tools and analytical chemistry
- Creativity, motivation, and teamwork are essential, as well as a willingness to learn new skills
- Experience in bioreactor cultivations or molecular cloning techniques are an advantage
- Fluent in English, additional German language skills are beneficial
- Strong interest in sustainable processes and applied research
- Structured, reliable, and independent working style
Your benefits:
- Flexible and family friendly working hours (flexitime, time off) with a possibility for home office
- An international, motivated team and a highly active scientific environment
- Work on industry-related project in modern laboratories and pilot plant
- Attractive working environment and modern offices, public transport and parking spaces
- Gross monthly salary based on 40h/week from EUR 3.100,00 (14 x per year)
Place of employment:
Linz, Upper Austria
Contact:
Dr. Michael Egermeier
Team Leader Bioprocess Technology
Tel.: +43 732 2468-6781 or + 43 676 89744529
We are looking forward to receiving your application via email at: m.egermeier@wood-kplus.at