Fabian Pfrengle

The Institute of Organic Chemistry at BOKU University is inviting applications for a PhD Student in Synthetic Organic Chemistry. The project sits within the institute’s broader research focus on the chemical biology of carbohydrates. The group has particular expertise in the chemical synthesis of glycans, which are used as important probes in biochemical experiments relevant to marine, agricultural, and biomedical sciences. In this advertised project, the main goal is the synthesis of complex oligosaccharides from algae as molecular tools for marine microbiology. The work will combine automated solid-phase synthesis using Automated Glycan Assembly (AGA) with traditional solution-phase synthetic chemistry. The position therefore offers a strong training environment in modern carbohydrate chemistry and advanced synthetic methodology. Relevant experimental techniques include synthetic chemistry in the carbohydrate field, automated glycan assembly, high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), and NMR spectroscopy. The appointment is based at BOKU University in Vienna, Austria, within the Institute of Organic Chemistry. The position is funded for up to 3 years and comes with a gross monthly salary of approximately €2,832 under the Austrian collective agreement for university staff (B1), payable 14 times per year. Applicants should hold an MSc degree in chemistry or be expected to obtain one within the next months. Strong experimental skills in synthetic organic chemistry are expected, together with high motivation, an interest in research, and confidence in spoken and written English. Applications should be sent by email to Prof. Fabian Pfrengle. The application should include a CV, BSc/MSc certificates with individual grades, a cover letter, and the names of potential referees. The advertised starting date is in or after October 2026. The application deadline is 13 September 2026.