PhD position for project- “Alternative lifestyles of chlamydiae”.

Last date to apply: Until position is filled

Number of Positions: 01

Duration of contract: Up to 4 years 

Planned starting date: October 2025

Place of work: University of Vienna

Main supervisor: Matthias Horn

Supervision team: Astrid Collingro

Project description:

Chlamydiae are well-known human pathogens, with Chlamydia trachomatis being one of the leading causes of preventable blindness and sexually transmitted diseases. However, chlamydiae are also widely distributed in the environment, where they live primarily in protists such as amoebae. The obligate intracellular lifestyle of chlamydiae is ancient and can be traced back hundreds of millions of years. Recently, metagenomic studies have identified members of the Chlamydiota phylum in anaerobic environments and in phototrophic protists (algae). The aim of this work is to shed light on these unexpected chlamydial lifestyles. The project will involve protist cultivation and infection experiments, advanced fluorescence microscopy methods, genomics and transcriptomics approaches, and bioinformatics analyses. It will contribute to our understanding of the environmental lifestyle of chlamydiae and the emergence of their unique host-associated lifestyle.

How to apply?

Your qualifications. We are looking for a highly motivated and independently working candidate with an excitement and enthusiasm for microbiology, microbe-host interaction, and protists. A successful applicant will have a MSc degree in microbiology, molecular biology or a related biological discipline. Practical experience in the laboratory in basic microbiology techniques is highly favored. Experience in protist and/or cell culture, anaerobic cultivation techniques and (some) bioinformatics are preferred. Ability to work independently and on a team is mandatory. Good communication skills in English (written and spoken) is essential.

What we offer: A successful candidate will work in an internationally leading Centre in microbial ecology research embedded in the working group of Matthias Horn, together with Astrid Collingro. The Centre offers a diverse and stimulating work environment. The PhD candidate will be enrolled in the Doctoral School in Microbiology and Environmental Science (vds-mes.univie.ac.at), which offers interdisciplinary training at the interfaces of microbiology, ecology and environmental science.

Conditions of appointment:The successful candidate will receive funding for up to four years. The salary is according to the salary scheme of the University of Vienna (PhD students 0,75 FTE). The University pursues a non-discriminatory employment policy and values equal opportunities. Perception and recognition of diversity are key fundamental values of the University of Vienna and therefore is committed to promote diversity (diversity.univie.ac.at). Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, age, sex, sexual orientation, race, religion and gender identity.

Application details: Applicants should submit a letter of motivation (outlining their interest in the topic and how they fit to the position), a detailed CV (including a brief description of research interests, education, previous employments, and publication list if applicable), and provide the name, affiliation and email address of 2-3 professional references. These documents should be sent as one pdf file with the subject : PhD Position – Chlamydiae” to: matthias.horn@univie.ac.at  

Applications will be considered until the position has been filled.