A 6-year postdoctoral position is available in the group of Associate Professor Dagmar Woebken at the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CeMESS), University of Vienna, Austria. The research focuses on understanding how microbes survive and remain active in arid desert environments, with a particular emphasis on the survival and resuscitation of desert soil bacteria. This position is connected to the European Research Council (ERC) project WinMicAct.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic team investigating the drivers and limitations of microbial activity in arid desert biocrusts. The project integrates field and experimental work, genome-resolved metatranscriptomics, stable isotope probing (SIP), single-cell activity assays, and process measurements, with the goal of upscaling findings to the ecosystem level. Research areas include microbial ecology, environmental systems science, and the study of biocrusts in desert soils.

Applicants should hold a PhD in microbiology, environmental science, or a related discipline, and have experience in relevant experimental and analytical techniques. The position offers the opportunity to work in a leading research environment at the University of Vienna, collaborating with international partners such as the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology and the University of Bremen.

The appointment is for six years and is funded by the ERC. For more information and application instructions, candidates are encouraged to visit the provided application link. The application deadline is March 31, 2026.