Early-Stage Researcher - PhD Student (m/f/d), SB26-0059: Evidence Synthesis in Nutrition and Mental Health University for Continuing Education Krems in Austria

The University for Continuing Education Krems, located in the UNESCO World Heritage region of Wachau, Austria, is offering a PhD position for an Early-Stage Researcher (m/f/d) in the Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation. The department is internationally recognized, hosting Cochrane Austria, the Austrian Centre for Evidence-Based Healthcare, and serving as a WHO Collaborating Center for Evidence-based Medicine. This position is part of the Horizon Europe BEETHOVEN project, which aims to link brain, environment, and ecosystems through holistic omics and validated evidence-based nutrition guidelines. The research focus is on advancing evidence synthesis methods in nutrition research and developing evidence-based nutritional guidelines for mental health management.

The successful candidate will independently conduct scientific research to improve methodologies in evidence synthesis, actively contribute as a co-investigator to the BEETHOVEN project, and participate in PhD courses in Applied Evidence Synthesis in Health Research. Additional responsibilities include teaching clinical epidemiology and evidence-based medicine to undergraduate students, supervising bachelor theses, publishing research findings in international journals, and presenting at national and international conferences. The role also involves participation in global research collaborations with organizations such as Cochrane and JBI.

Applicants must have completed a diploma or master's degree in a health sciences-related field by 31 August 2026. Required qualifications include basic knowledge of evidence-based medicine, public health, or epidemiology, proficiency in scientific writing, and a very good command of English (minimum B2). Desirable skills include experience in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods, evidence synthesis, academic achievements, flexibility, resilience, teamwork, and German language proficiency (minimum B2).

This is a part-time position (30 hours/week) initially limited until 30th September 2029. The minimum salary is EUR 3,776.10 gross per month (14x) on a full-time basis, with classification as a scientific project staff member under the collective agreement for universities. The university offers an innovative and modern working environment, the possibility of home office and mobile working (up to 42% of working hours), and extensive benefits such as further training opportunities, health promotion programs, and access to the University Sports Institute (USI). Diversity and inclusion are core values, and applications from people with disabilities or chronic illnesses are encouraged.

To apply, submit your online application by 14 May 2026 via the university's online tool. Required documents include a letter of motivation, CV, certificates of degrees and transcripts, two letters of recommendation (with at least one from a scientific project supervisor), and a short research exposé addressing the methodological research problem.