PhD Position – Sustainable Oil Processing & Non-Thermal Bio-Refining

The University of Vienna (AG Pignitter), in collaboration with FFoQSI and the University of Vienna spin-off OFS Lipid Legends GmbH, is offering a fully funded PhD position (25 h/week) in the field of food chemistry, lipid science and sustainable food processing.

The position is available immediately and is initially funded until 2028.

The project aims to expand and advance a patented technology for the sustainable processing and natural enrichment of edible oils and to develop new approaches for non-thermal extraction and bio-refining. The research will combine process development, experimental work from laboratory to pilot scale, and advanced analytical characterization, with opportunities for collaboration with academic and industrial partners.

Your profile

1. Master’s degree in Food Chemistry, Chemistry, Food Technology, Biotechnology, Process Engineering, or a related discipline.
2. Strong interest in food processing, lipid science and sustainable technologies.
3. Experience in analytical chemistry, chromatography/mass spectrometry, lipid analysis or process development is an advantage.
4. Evidence of scientific writing and publications is a plus.
5. Excellent communication and data presentation skills.
6. Fluent in English; German is an advantage.
7. Motivated, collaborative, and able to work independently.

We offer

• Fully funded PhD position, 25 h/week, initially funded until 2028
• Salary according to the applicable University of Vienna collective agreement (basic salary €3,776.10 gross/month on a full-time basis, paid pro rata)
• Interdisciplinary and application-oriented research environment
• Access to advanced analytical and pilot-scale facilities
• Close interaction with academic and industrial project partners
• Opportunities for international collaboration and research stays
• The opportunity to contribute to the development of sustainable, next-generation food processing technologies

Application

Please submit the following documents in English as a single PDF document to marc.pignitter(at)univie.ac.at:

• Strong motivation letter
• Curriculum vitae (CV), including relevant publications
• Copies of Bachelor and Master degree certificates and credit transcripts
• Future research statement (one-pager)
• Contact information of two referees who have previously supervised you in research projects

Application deadline: September 25, 2026