Working hours: 30.00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)
Limited contract until: 03.11.2029
Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna
Job ID: 5583
Description of project:
Ion-guided assembly of biopolymers is well known; utilising this effect to create more effective polymeric drag reducing agents has yet to be proven. To control the assembly of biopolymer colloids, we aim to end-functionalise biopolymer oligomers with carefully controlled polymer grafts to tailor associate dimensions and chemistry.
Background:
Biopolymers, such as guar and xanthan gum as well as alginate have been shown to reduce drag of water in pipe flow. However, the drag reducing ability is limited due to their rigidity in solution. Other water-soluble polymers, such as polyethylene glycol and poly (acryl amide), are more effective but degrade in shear during extended flow operations, losing their effectiveness to reduce drag. The need for improved biodegradable functional drag reducing agents for water to control pipe flow is driven by energy efficiency, materials cost, and environmental concerns. Polymer longevity in turbulent flow must be improved.
You will learn:
Polymer synthesis and functionalisation, colloid formation and structure, polymer solution characterization, determination of drag reduction capabilities.
Your personal sphere of influence:
We invite applications for one PhD position in the Institute of Materials Chemistry & Research, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, associated with the Green Cycles of Renewable Materials program of the FWF-funded Cluster of Excellence – Circular Bioengineering. The position will focus on controlling the assembly of biopolymer colloids, we aim to end-functionalise biopolymer oligomers with carefully controlled polymer grafts to tailor associate dimensions and chemistry.
Your future tasks:
You actively participate in research, teaching & administration, which means:
- Synthesise end-functionalised biopolymers.
- Control polymer colloid formation in aqueous salt solutions.
- Understand the impact of biopolymer associate architecture on solution properties.
- Investigate the effect of a biopolymer associate on drag reduction.
- Supervision of Bachelor and Master students
This is part of your personality:
- Completed Master’s degree or Diploma, in Chemistry
- Experience in polymer synthesis and material characterization
- Strong analytical skills, including chemical, morphological and physical characterization
- Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment
- Excellent communication skills in both German and English (written and spoken)
- Desirable Expertise: Familiiarity with colloidal systems and their characterization
What we offer
- Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours and can partially work remotely.
- Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment.
- Good public transport connections: Your workplace is easily accessible by public transport.
- Internal further training & Coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.
- Fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 3.776,10 (on a full-time basis) increases if we can credit professional experience.
- Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!
If you have any questions, please contact:
Alexander Bismarck: alexander.bismarck@univie.ac.at
We look forward to new personalities in our team!
The University of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance to equal opportunities, the advancement of women and diversity. We place particular emphasis on enhancing women’s representation among the academic and general university staff, particularly in leadership roles, and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.
Main supervisor: Prof. Alexander Bismarck and Ass.Prof. Robert T. Woodward
Co supervisor: Prof. Thomas Rosenau (BOKU)
Location: University of Vienna, Sensengasse, 1090 Vienna
Submission deadline: 04.05.2026
It is that easy to apply:
- With your scientific curriculum vitae / letter of intent
- With your summary of research interests / ideas for a prospective doctoral project proposal (max. X p.)
- With your Master Degree / Diploma
- Via job portal University of Vienna / Apply now – button