Offer Description
is currently inviting applications for the position of a
Full Professor of
BOKU University seeks to appoint a Full Professor of Biochemistry with 1st June 2026. The position is offered in accordance with §98 of the 2002 Universities Act in the form of a permanent contract.
BOKU University, the Alma Mater Viridis, is the University of Sustainability and Life Sciences. It is BOKU's task to make a key contribution to the conservation and protection of resources for future generations through its wide variety of expertise. Combining natural sciences, engineering plus social and economic sciences, its aim is to increase knowledge of the ecologically and economically sustainable use of natural resources. With 10,000 students and 3000 staff members, BOKU is one of Europe’s leading life science universities.
The professorship is assigned to the Institute of Biochemistry, which is part of the Department of Natural Sciences and Sustainable Resources. The department's central fields of activity are research, research-based teaching and science communication in mathematics, statistics, physics and chemistry with a focus on the characterisation, conversion and use of renewable raw materials as well as research and development of biomaterials and biorefineries of the future.
The Institute of Biochemistry is involved in basic research in protein biochemistry and glycobiology. Projects in the field of protein biochemistry with a focus on protein design and protein engineering are concerned with the design of new therapeutic antibodies (fragments) and novel concepts for controlling the function of CAR molecules in patients as well as with structure-function relationships of metalloproteins. Glycobiology projects focus on the biosynthesis, structure and function of protein glycans that play a role in embryonic development, pathogens or therapeutic proteins.
The responsibilities of the position holder include research and teaching in biochemistry with a focus on protein design, protein engineering and protein analysis. They will further develop methodological research in the field of structural and functional analysis of (glyco)proteins. They should be able to specifically optimise the properties of proteins using molecular biological, biochemical and biophysical methods, improve their function or stability or specifically develop new functions and properties for specific industrial, medical or scientific applications. The ability to characterise protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions functionally and structurally is desirable.
The aim is to secure and further expand biochemical problem-solving expertise for the research fields of biotechnology, food and environmental sciences at the Institute of Biochemistry. Collaboration in current research areas and the willingness to cooperate with partner organisations within and outside the Department of Natural Sciences and Sustainable Resources are desired in networking with the Department of Biotechnology and Food Sciences at the Muthgasse site and the departments at the other BOKU sites.
Teaching in the Bachelor's degree programme in Food and Biotechnology focuses on lectures and laboratory exercises in the fundamentals of biochemistry, protein biochemistry and protein engineering. In the Master's programme and in the doctoral programme, advanced lectures on protein biochemistry in English are expected.
The applicant can expect an excellent infrastructure at the department, whereby the applicant is expected to maintain and strengthen competences in the field of protein biochemistry.
Other tasks include involvement in public relations and third mission activities, as well as active participation in the self-administration of BOKU University.
Job specifications
Venia docendi or international equivalent or an subject-relevant academic qualification, that is equivalent to a habilitation.
Relevant experience and competence in teaching, guidance in scientific work, as well as the supervision of junior scientists (PhD students).
Subject-specific research experience, national and international reputation, as well as ability to network.
Excellent publication achievements in the scientific field.
Sound international research experience.
Teaching in German and English.
Experience in the successful acquisition, execution and management of research projects.
Cooperation with national and international research institutions and with relevant partners from public services and business.
Management and interpersonal skills including skills in gender and diversity management, inclusion and accessibility in communication; communication and team skills.
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken German and English or willingness to learn German in the first two years.
For more information about this position, please contact the Head of Department of Natural Sciences and Sustainable Resources, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Chris Oostenbrink, phone: +43 1 47654 89411, e-mail: chris.oostenbrink@boku.ac.at.
Please submit your application as single PDF file (LastName_FirstName.pdf) containing the information mentioned below in English via e-mail to the Rectorate of BOKU University (berufungen@boku.ac.at) no later than 5th October 2025 .
Please include the following documents with your application:
Brief explanation of why you believe yourself to be particularly suitable for this position (max. 1 page A4)
Draft concept for research and teaching; presentation of planned research priorities (max. 4 pages A4)
List of publications (referenced / not referenced), presentations and projects
Copies of 5 recent publications that you consider particularly important
By submitting the application, you also agree to the participation of an external recruitment consultant in the selection process.
The University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna is seeking to increase the number of its female faculty members and therefore, qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply. Women are given priority when qualifications are equal, except in cases where there are outweighing factors concerning another candidate.
People with disabilities and appropriate qualifications are specifically encouraged to apply.
The employment contract is classified as group A1 of the collective agreement for university employees. Minimum gross yearly salary: € 92,460; the actual annual gross salary is subject to negotiation.
More information on this position and about BOKU and this department can be found on the website: https://boku.ac.at/
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