Lab Technician Position

The Köhler Lab at the Max Perutz Labs is seeking a full-time lab technician to support our research on nuclear envelope biology, chromatin regulation, and cellular stress resilience. We are particularly interested in candidates with a background in biochemistry, but we welcome applications from scientists at diverse levels of experience, from early-career technicians to highly skilled experts looking for a long-term research role in a collaborative academic setting.

This position offers a chance to join an ambitious, curiosity-driven team at the Vienna BioCenter, one of Europe’s leading hubs for molecular life sciences.

Your Role

You will support and carry out experimental work in the lab, adapted to your level of experience. Responsibilities may include:

• Protein purification and biochemical reconstitution, including membrane systems
• Preparation, documentation, and quality control of key reagents
• Work with S. cerevisiae and tardigrades—the most resilient animal on Earth
• Support for imaging workflows or biochemistry/structural biology pipelines, depending on expertise
• Contribution to the development and optimization of experimental protocols
• Active participation in lab meetings and a culture of technical excellence and shared learning

Lab Support and Organization

In addition to research tasks, you will contribute to:

• Managing lab stocks, placing orders, and maintaining reagent inventories
• Supporting equipment maintenance and ensuring proper documentation of lab protocols
• Onboarding new lab members and coordinating shared resources

Your Profile

We are open to a range of qualifications and backgrounds, and we will tailor the role to the right candidate.
We encourage you to apply if you have:

• A degree in biochemistry, structural biology, molecular biology, or a related field (MSc or equivalent, or higher)
• Experience with common lab techniques (e.g., protein purification, cloning, cell culture, electrophoresis)
• A reliable and independent work style, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail
• A collaborative spirit and interest in contributing to ambitious basic research
• English proficiency
• Candidates with substantial prior experience—e.g., in protein biochemistry, structural workflows, or advanced lab operations—are particularly encouraged to apply and may be considered for senior-level responsibilities within the lab.

What We Offer

• A full-time technician position with flexibility to match experience and interests
• The opportunity to work in a lab that values deep technical skill, long-term continuity, and intellectual engagement
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure including cryo-EM, proteomics, imaging, and high-throughput technologies
• Integration into an internationally recognized research group
• Employment follows the University’s collective bargaining agreement. The gross monthly salary starts at about €3,500 and will be adjusted according to qualifications and experience.
• This full-time position is available immediately.
• Initial two-year contract, renewable; the role is intended as a long-term contribution to the lab.

About the Köhler Lab

We investigate how the nuclear envelope functions as a dynamic boundary that integrates gene regulation, lipid metabolism, mechanical resilience, and stress adaptation. We combine biochemistry, structural biology, imaging, and genetics—often using unusual model systems like tardigrades, the most resilient animals known.

Recent publications include:

• Stankunas & Köhler, Nat. Cell Biol. 2024
• Gallego et al., Nature 2020
• Romanauska & Köhler, Cell 2018

More info: https://www.maxperutzlabs.ac.at/research/research-groups/koehler

                                                                                                                       

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter to:
alwin.koehler@maxperutzlabs.ac.at and maren.schneider@univie.ac.at

Let us know whether you are seeking a junior or more advanced role, and what skills you are most excited to contribute. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The call will remain open until the position is filled.