Full Professor of Integrative Structure Biology

The position:

The Max Perutz Labs—one of Europe’s leading institutes for basic research in the life sciences—invites applications for a Full Professor of Integrative Structure Biology with a focus on in situ structural biology using cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) and related methods to investigate the cellular organisation of complex molecular systems in their native context. This appointment is part of a strategic investment in advanced imaging and analysis to address fundamental questions in cell and molecular biology.

The mission of the Max Perutz Labs is to analyse and reconstitute complex biological systems across scales of resolution. We seek a scientist with an outstanding track record in in situ cryo-ET, complemented by expertise in sample preparation, image analysis, and/or integrative modelling.

The successful candidate will develop and lead an independent research programme and contribute to the establishment of new cryo-EM infrastructure at the Max Perutz Labs, including a 300 kV high-end cryo TEM. The position offers close collaboration with the Vienna BioCenter Core Facilities (VBCF), which provide state-of-the-art electron microscopy workflows such as cryo-FIB milling with a Hydra Bio Plasma-FIB system, supported by experienced technical staff.

The Max Perutz Labs are part of the Vienna BioCenter, one of Europe’s leading research hubs, home to over 2,000 scientists from more than 80 nations and over 30 biotech companies. This collaborative environment offers extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary research, with access to advanced core facilities including biooptics, mass spectrometry and high-performance computing. We participate in major training initiatives such as the Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, the EU-funded VIP³ Postdoctoral Program, and the Vienna BioCenter Summer School.

English is the working language at the Vienna BioCenter, which offers a supportive and family-friendly environment, including subsidized on-site childcare. Vienna, consistently ranked among the world’s most liveable cities, combines a rich cultural life with excellent public services and convenient connections across Europe.

Your academic profile:

• Doctoral degree/PhD
• Outstanding research achievements, excellent publication and funding record, international reputation
• Proven leadership qualities
• Gender and diversity competence
• Experience in designing and managing large research projects
• Enthusiasm for excellent teaching and supervision at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level
• Willingness to take on organisational and administrative responsibilities within the Max Perutz Labs and/or the University

We offer:

• a dynamic research environment
• a wide range of research and teaching support services
• attractive working conditions in a city with an exceptionally high quality of life
• an attractive salary according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement for University Staff (§98 UG, level A1, to be negotiated individually) and an organisational retirement plan
• a “start-up package”, in particular for the initiation of research projects
• comprehensive relocation support
   

Application documents:

Please submit a single PDF file (LastName_FirstName.pdf) containing the following information in English via e-mail to the Scientific Director, Prof. Alwin Köhler, ([email protected]):

1. Letter of motivation
2. Academic curriculum vitae
   • education and training
   • positions held to date
   • career breaks (e.g. parental, family or other care periods)
   • awards and honors
   • commissions of trust
   • previous and current cooperation partners
   • list of most important acquired third-party funding as principal investigator, and, if applicable, of inventions/patents
   • list of most important scientific talks (max. 10)
   • teaching and mentoring
   • supervision experience (Master and PhD)
3. List of publications and a link to your ORCID record
4. Research statement            
   • most important research achievements (max. 2 pages) and planned future research activities (max. 4 pages)
   • synopsis of five key publications with relevance to the position advertised
5. Teaching and supervision statement              
   • teaching and supervision concept, including a description of the previous and planned priorities in academic teaching and supervision (max. 2 pages)

Appendices to application document:
a.  Five key publications as electronic full text version
b.  Teaching evaluations (if available, compiled into a single PDF file)
c.  Copies of certificates of academic degrees (mandatory, compiled into a single PDF file)

The University of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance to equal opportunities, the advancement of women and diversity. We place particular emphasis on enhancing women’s representation among the academic and general university staff, particularly in leadership roles, and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.

The original job advertisement by the University of Vienna can be found here.
Data protection information

Reference no.: ISB2025
Application deadline: 17 December 2025