Postdoc position: Exploring methylotrophy in yeast (Project PD 2.4)
This postdoctoral position at TU Wien, Vienna, offers an exciting opportunity to explore methylotrophy in yeast, focusing on innovative cellular architectures and synthetic compartmentalization strategies. The project aims to engineer and optimize metabolic pathways in methylotrophic yeasts, leveraging their unique organelle dynamics to achieve efficient C1 bioconversion. By tailoring metabolic pathways to function within the peroxisome, the research seeks to convert one-carbon building blocks into valuable biochemicals, expanding the potential for biotechnological innovation.
Key responsibilities include engineering synthetic pathways, modifying cellular redox and cofactor systems, employing molecular biology, metabolic modeling, and advanced microscopy to analyze pathway performance, and collaborating with experts in metabolic engineering, systems biology, and biochemical analysis. The successful candidate will also supervise PhD, master, and bachelor students, contributing to a stimulating interdisciplinary environment that links cellular engineering and metabolic innovation.
Applicants should have a PhD or equivalent research experience in molecular biology, microbiology, biochemical engineering, or a related field, with a strong background in yeast genetics and synthetic biology. Experience with bioreactors, proteomic and genomic dataset analysis, and enzyme compartmentalization or peroxisome function is advantageous. Candidates must be skilled in scientific writing, demonstrate team spirit, and possess creative thinking abilities for designing unconventional solutions in synthetic cellular environments. Proficiency in English is required.
The position is funded with a minimum gross monthly salary according to the B1 salary group under the Austrian university collective agreement for PostDocs. The appointment is for 24 months, full-time (40 hours per week), and provides access to modern research infrastructure for molecular, biochemical, and systems-level analysis. The main supervisor is Associate Prof. Matthias Steiger.
To apply, candidates should send their application to [email protected], indicating their name and the project/position number in the subject line. Applications must meet all formal criteria as outlined in the application guidelines, and further information is available on the project website. The submission deadline is 30 April 2026.
For additional details, visit the project and career websites or contact [email protected]. This position is ideal for researchers interested in integrating fundamental cell biology with applied biomanufacturing and contributing to pioneering approaches in yeast cell factory design.
