Assistant Professor of “Genetic and Epigenetic Foundations of Human-Animal-Interaction” at the Messerli Research Institute of Human-Animal Interactions

The University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni) is an internationally renowned centre of excellence for teaching and research in veterinary medicine as well as a soughtafter partner for cooperation. The modern campus accommodates teaching and research facilities as well as the only veterinary teaching and research hospital in Austria and is the workplace of around 2,300 students and 1,400 staff. Vetmeduni distinguishes itself by striving for excellence in its teaching and research activities as well as in its service units and through its continuous dialogue with society.

The Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, is looking for an

Assistant Professor of “Genetic and Epigenetic Foundations of Human-Animal-Interaction” at the Messerli Research Institute of Human-Animal Interactions

in accordance with the appointment procedure for Assistant Professors established by § 99 (5) of the 2002 Universities Act

• Grade: A2
• Level of employment: 40 hours weekly
• Length of employment: 4 years tenure-track position (i.e. permanent after positive evaluation)
• Deadline for applications: 31.07.2025
• Reference number: 2025/0105

Context

The Vetmeduni is looking for an Assistant Professor to represent the field of “Genetic and Epigenetic Foundations of Human-Animal-Interaction” in research and teaching. The assistant professorship is assigned to the Messerli Research Institute of Human-Animal Interactions and thus has access to excellent, modern research and teaching facilities. The Messerli Research Institute of Human Animal Interactions was established in 2010 with the support of the Messerli Foundation. The institute, launched in collaboration of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, the Medical University of Vienna and the University of Vienna, aims to generate scientifically grounded insights into the reciprocal influence of humans and animals. Research at the institute focuses on the scientific study of the coexistence of humans and animals and aims to develop convincing criteria and strategies for ethically acceptable treatment of animals. The institute is characterised by a broad interdisciplinary approach – encompassing biology, medicine, veterinary medicine, philosophy, psychology, ethics and law. The research area “Genetic and Epigenetic Foundations of Human-Animal-Interaction” aims to make a scientific contribution to understanding the genetic and epigenetic processes shaping human-animal interactions. In detail, the research directions should address and answer the fundamental question of how interactions between humans and animals are sensed on the molecular level and can trigger behavioral changes in either animals or humans, ultimately affecting the success of their coexistence. By studying such molecular mechanisms and environmental influences, the expected results should provide insights into how gene regulatory networks contribute to the functioning of animals within human society or how contact with animals and their behavior can shape gene expression as well as behavior of humans in health or disease. The application of state-of-the-art methods from various scientific disciplines is desired. The research program should be developed in synergy with ongoing research directions and educational focus areas at the Messerli Research Institute, including its partner universities.

Main Tasks

The advertised position is aimed to further expand and complement the focus of the Messerli Research Institute and the Vetmeduni in the area of “Genetic and Epigenetic Foundations of Human-Animal-Interaction” in order to create scientific evidence for a further development in the areas mentioned. In this context, the establishment of an internationally visible, primarily third-party funded research program is strived for. The successful candidate will collaborate on an interdisciplinary basis at the Vetmeduni (within the Messerli Research Institute and with the departments of the Vetmeduni) as well as with the participating universities at the Messerli Research Institute. Furthermore, the jobholder is expected to network with other national and international institutions. Other tasks include teaching in the Vetmeduni curricula, the supervision of theses and doctoral students, as well as administrative tasks including work in committees, cooperation with authorities and ministries and third mission activities such as the Vetmeduni continuing education courses.

Responsibilities

• Independent development and realization of research projects
• Authoring of publications and independent acquisition and coordination of third-party funding
• Supervision and training of undergraduate and graduate students
• Establishment and management of a working group in the field of “Genetic and Epigenetic Foundations of Human-Animal-Interaction”
• Participation in various areas of research, teaching, service and administration within the framework of the university organization
• Independent teaching activities in the study programmes of Vetmeduni
• Willingness to participate in the knowledge transfer and to promote early career researchers in the spirit of the social responsibility of the Vetmeduni
• Actively pursuing the strategic objectives of the Messerli Research Institute for Human-Animal Interactions, the Department and the Vetmeduni

Required education, qualifications and experience

• Completed studies in natural sciences and doctorate / PhD in a relevant field
• At least 2 years of PostDoc-experience in a relevant field
• Outstanding publication track record in line with the career level
• Experience in the acquisition of third-party funds in line with the career level
• Experience with national and international research collaborations
• Teaching experience
• Postgraduate research experience at least at one other university/research institution for at least twelve months in total
• Good English level (B2)

Additional desired qualifications and skills

• Experience in the supervision of postgraduate students
• Proof of successful acquisition of third-party funding
• Experience in managing a research group
• Proof of university didactic training programmes
• Open to and experience with new multimedia teaching methods
• An enthusiastic and committed team player
• Open to inter-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary joint working
• Excellent communication skills
• Good German level (B2)

What we offer

•  Top university: Vetmeduni is one of the leading academic education and research institutions in veterinary medicine in Europe
• Stable employer
• Attractive campus
•  Personal and professional training and development opportunities
• Health care
• Diversity and family-friendly university culture
• Children’s day-care and holiday care options
•  Numerous attractive fringe benefits
• Employee events

The Position

The position of Assistant Professor with a qualification (i.e. tenure-track) agreement (according to § 27 of the collective contract (Kollektivvertrag) for university employees) is initially limited to a duration of 4 years. After fulfilment of the agreed qualification goals, the contract will be of an unlimited duration as Associate Professor.

Minimum salary

The minimum salary for university staff is regulated by the Collective Bargaining Agreement for University Staff and at the A2 level amounts to EUR 5,012.70 gross. The salary increases to EUR 6,285.80 gross when the provisions of the qualification agreement are met.

Applications

Please submit your application in English, noting the reference number 2025/0105, by email to bewerbungen@vetmeduni.ac.at to the Personnel Department of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna. Please do not forget to include the reference number or we will be unable to relate your application to the correct vacancy announcement.

Application documents in English language must include:

1. Letter of application with a brief description of

- Current research interests and research plan for the next four years, and anticipated advancement for the field

- Concept for academic teaching and supervision of young researchers

- Contribution to the scientific profile of the Messerli Research Institute for Human-Animal Interactions, the Department and the Vetmeduni

2. Curriculum vitae including

- Information on selected research esteem factors (e.g. publication quality, impact, collaborations, invited talks) and recognition of excellence

- List of external funds acquired (topic, funding agency, budget, duration, role in the project) and currently submitted or unsuccessful grant applications

- Overview of academic teaching and supervised theses, especially PhD theses

- Experience in the organization and management of team, staff and students

- Evidence of knowledge transfer including services and provision of expertise beyond the scientific community and other significant impact

3. Further documents to prove the required education, qualifications and experience described as necessary in the vacancy announcement

4. Names and contact information of three references

5. If available: Proof of having received personal funding as part of an excellence program

Presentations and interviews with the candidates are scheduled for October 2025 (likely in calendar week 43).

The Vetmeduni aims to increase the proportion of women among scientific and general university staff, especially in management positions, and therefore explicitly invites qualified women to apply. In the case of underrepresentation of women, female applicants who are equally suitable as the best-suited male competitor will be given priority, unless reasons relating to the person of a competitor prevail.

There is no fee required for submitting an application. Applicants have no entitlement to reimbursement of any travel or accommodation expenses they may incur as a result of the application procedure.

As a proud holder of the “hochschuleundfamilie” (“University and Family”) certificate, Vetmeduni welcomes applications from candidates with family responsibilities. We also encourage people with disabilities to apply.

Translations into other languages are solely for information purposes. The version advertised in the University Bulletin (Mitteilungsblatt) is the only one that is legally binding.

Vice Rector Univ. Prof. Dr. Martina Marchetti-Deschmann

Contact for further information

Mag. Stephanie Arzberger

+43 1 25077 - 1001

stephanie.arzberger(at)vetmeduni.ac.at

www.vetmeduni.ac.at