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Research Position in Cryo-EM
74 Max Perutz Labs
Job vacancy starting: | Working hours: 40.00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc)
Limited contract until:
Job ID: 6349
Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where over 7,700 brilliant minds have found a unique balance of freedom and support. Join us if you’re passionate about groundbreaking international research and academic excellence. Ready to be part of our team? Let’s shape the future together!
About the Querques lab
The Querques Lab is looking for an experienced researcher to join our team at the Max Perutz Labs in Vienna. We are particularly interested in candidates with a strong practical background in cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM).
Our lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms by which mobile genetic elements (MGEs) move between and within genomes. We aim to explore their biological impact on genome remodeling and leverage this knowledge to develop new tools for genome engineering.
Our research integrates structural biology with a variety of biochemical, biophysical, and biotechnological approaches, including cell-based assays, protein design, and genome editing experiments.
For further details about the Querques lab, please visit https://www.maxperutzlabs.ac.at/research/research-groups/querques.
About the Max Perutz Labs
The Max Perutz Labs are a research institute established by the University of Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna to provide an environment for excellent, internationally recognized research and education in the field of Molecular Biology. Dedicated to a mechanistic understanding of fundamental biomedical processes, scientists at the Max Perutz Labs aim to link breakthroughs in basic research to advances in human health. The Max Perutz Labs (www.maxperutzlabs.ac.at) are located at the Vienna BioCenter, one of Europe’s hotspots for the Life Sciences, and host to around 50 research groups, involving more than 450 scientists and staff from 40 nations.
Your personal sphere of play:
The successful candidate will contribute to structural biology projects across the lab, working closely with other team members on the structural characterization of the molecular systems we study.
An important part of the role will be to develop and implement cryo-EM workflows for projects in the lab, in close collaboration with the available cryo-EM facilities. The exact scope of the role will depend on the candidate’s background and experience. This may include contributing cryo-EM expertise to collaborative projects within the lab as well as, where appropriate, developing and leading an independent research project.
Your future tasks:
Candidates are expected to have hands-on experience in all of the following:
- Cryo-EM sample preparation and grid optimization
- Grid screening and data collection
- Cryo-EM image processing and structure determination
Additional experience in protein biochemistry and structural biology would be valuable. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience working with nucleic acid-protein complexes and/or RNA biology.
We are looking for someone who can work independently, is proactive and eager to learn, and enjoys working collaboratively within a research team.
This is part of your personality:
The position is open to candidates with different levels of training and professional experience. We are looking primarily for demonstrated hands-on experience in cryo-EM, rather than for a specific academic qualification or career stage.
Candidates should have substantial practical experience in cryo-EM and a demonstrated track record in the field. Relevant experience may include a PhD involving cryo-EM research, significant contributions to cryo-EM publications, or extensive hands-on experience gained in academic research, a cryo-EM facility, or industry.
What we offer:
Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours, remote/hybrid and/or part-time work (upon agreement).
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 in the center of beautiful Vienna 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.
Fixed-term contract and fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 5,014.30 (14 times a year) for a period of 2 years / 24 months increases if we can credit professional experience.
Get off to a great start in your new job: the Welcome Compass helps you settle into your new role at the University of Vienna and life in Vienna.
Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!
It is that easy to apply:
Please send your application by email to irma.querques@maxperutzlabs.ac.at with the subject:
“Querques Lab: Cryo-EM” and include:
- A motivation letter describing your interest in the position and your previous hands-on cryo-EM experience.
- A CV with a detailed description of your research and technical experience.
- A list of publications, clearly indicating publications to which you contributed cryo-EM work.
- Contact details for at least two references.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
Please note that only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.
- Via our job portal/ Apply now - button
If you have any questions, please contact:
Irma Querques
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.
University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.
Application deadline: 07.11.2026
