Master Thesis “Diversity of N2-Fixing Rhizobia in Austrian Soils”

As Austria's largest research and technology organisation for applied research, we have set ourselves the goal of making substantial contributions to solving the major challenges of our time, climate change and digitalisation. To achieve this, we rely on our specific research, development and technology expertise, which is the basis for our commitment to excellence in all areas. With our open innovation culture and our motivated, international teams, we are working to position AIT as Austria's leading research institution at the highest international level and to make a positive contribution to the economy and society.

Our Center for Health & Bioresources is looking for further Ingenious Partners for our location in Tulln (in immediate vicinity to Vienna). At the Center for Health & Bioresources, we are addressing the pressing challenges of demographic change, scarcity of resources, environmental pollution and early detection of diseases.

The Bioresources Team explores resources of plants and microorganisms to make the food system in general, and crop production in particular, more sustainable and efficient. This master’s thesis will explore important microorganisms due their nitrogen fixation capacity and symbiosis with plants.

Master Thesis “Diversity of N2-Fixing Rhizobia in Austrian Soils”

Your responsibilities:

- You will work in the research field of beneficial plant-microbe interactions and investigate microorganisms, which are highly important in any sustainable agricultural system, i.e., nitrogen-fixing rhizobia establishing a symbiosis with legumes.

- The main goal of this master’s thesis is to isolate and characterize rhizobia forming nodules with soybean, chickpea and lentils in Austrian soils.

- Under the guidance of our team, you will perform greenhouse trials with soybean, chickpea and lentils to trap rhizobia and to isolate them.

- You will characterize strains using molecular biology tools and you will identify strains with high nitrogen fixation potential.

- You will broaden your knowledge and skills in the field of plant-microbiome interactions and will learn how to address the plant microbiome in further studies.

- You will be trained in scientific analyses and will have the opportunity to discuss your experiences with scientific interdisciplinary experts.

Your qualifications as an Ingenious Partner:

- Ongoing master's studies in the field of microbiology, biology, plant sciences, or related fields

- Good knowledge in working with microorganisms and molecular biology

- Accuracy in scientific work

- Enthusiasm for science

- Interest to work in a multidisciplinary team and collaborate on different topics

- Good communication skills in English both spoken and written

What to expect:

- Start date: ideally 1 June 2025 – However, there is some flexibility concerning the start-date

- EUR 1350,-- gross per month for 20 hours/week based on the collective agreement. There will be additional company benefits. As a research institution, we are familiar with the supervision and execution of master theses, and we are looking forward to supporting you accordingly!

At AIT diversity and inclusion are of great importance. This is why we strive to inspire women to join our teams in the field of technology. We welcome applications from women, who will be given preference in case of equal qualifications after taking into account all relevant facts and circumstances of all applications.

Please submit your application documents including your CV, cover letter, relevant certificates (transcript of records) online.

For further information please contact:

PD DI Dr. Angela Sessitsch, angela.sessitsch(at)ait.ac.at