PhD Position

Join us to decipher how plasmanyl vs. plasmenyl (plasmalogen) ether lipids shape membrane biophysics and cellular function, with a focus on brain cell types and human disease.

Skills to be acquired during the 4-year fully funded PhD training:

• Use CRISPR/Cas9 technology to generate knockouts in neuronal, astrocyte and microglia      cell lines (partial and total ether lipid deficiency models)
• Probe membrane properties using novel dyes and advanced imaging
• Perform pharmacological modulation and rescue with inhibitors and lipid precursors
• Quantify ether lipid species by state-of-the-art methodology

Training and environment

• FWF-funded project 
• Interdisciplinary cooperation with Prof. Johannes Berger, MUW, Vienna
• Enrolled in the PhD-program Molecular and Cellular Basis of Diseases https://biomed-phd.i-med.ac.at/molecular-and-cellular-biology-of-diseases/
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and core facilities
• Close collaboration with researchers working with ether lipids in health and disease
• Be part of our dynamic, supportive team committed to rigorous, transparent science
• Seminars, journal clubs, and conferences to support scientific and career development

Candidate profile

• Master’s background in chemistry, pharmacy, medicine, biology, or related
• Hands-on experience in cell culture; interest in lipid biology.
• Motivation to characterise ether lipid-deficient models and link membrane biophysics to (patho)physiology

How to apply:

Send your CV and a motivation letter by August 15, 2026 to katrin.watschinger(at)i-med.ac.at. The addition of up to two reference letters is encouraged.