Vienna Doctoral School of Microbiology and Environmental Science - Doctoral Positions (AUTUMN CALL 2

You will measure gross soil process rates, from depolymerisation to mineralisation, and link them to microbial identity, community composition and ultimately soil health, by combining stable isotope pool dilution assays with measurements of microbial community activity, generating the process-rate data that sits at the heart of the project. The work spans both demanding lab and field campaigns, giving you hands-on ownership of the full pipeline from sample collection to data interpretation.

You bring a background in soil science, microbial ecology, or biogeochemistry, and a MSc degree in a related field, paired with genuine enthusiasm for rigorous, hands-on lab and field work.” Prior experience with isotope pool dilution assays, mass spectrometry, or microbial growth measurements is a plus but not a must-have, as you will be trained in these methods. What matters most is curiosity, resilience under demanding fieldwork conditions, a collaborative mindset for working across an international team, and a commitment to communicating your research through publications.