The Carinthia University of Applied Sciences offers a wide range of study programs in the fields of technology, business, health and social sciences. A common feature of all areas is the practical and application-oriented focus of teaching and research as well as the close cooperation between public institutions, business and science. General information on our courses, research activities and the organization of the university can be found on our homepage www.fh-kaernten.at.
The UNESCO Chair for Management of Conservation Areas (MCA), established in 2020, aims to contribute to the global network of UNESCO Chairs by advancing the concept of "Nature Conservation in the 21st Century." As part of this mis-sion, we are seeking an Environmental Sociologist to expand and develop the interdisciplinary work within our team. The focus of this role is to explore and address the societal implications of nature conservation and protected areas through social science, human geography, and transdisciplinary approaches. The successful candidate will work on the existing project portfolio, ensuring its further development and implementation, while collaborating with a wide range of conservation areas, particularly UNESCO-designated sites, both nationally and internationally. Find more infor-mation about the UNESCO Chair: www.cuas.at/unesco-chair.
This position offers the opportunity to strengthen the Chair’s interdisciplinary research and contribute to innovative so-lutions for conservation management.
Junior Researcher – Biodiversity Assessment using environmental genetics (m/f/d)
Your Tasks
As a Junior Researcher you will support and work on various ongoing projects focusing on biodiversity assessment using environmental bulk and eDNA samples. You will collaborate with our partners in different conservation areas to (co-) develop new applied- and research projects within the group. You will have a chance to analyse sequence and species occurrence datasets and exchange with stakeholders. Innovation and application of novel approaches will be conducted in the frame of ongoing and future projects. Teaching activities in a limited scope may be included upon agreement.
- Active research work (data analysis, laboratory analysis, management and implementation of research pro-jects, acquisition of cooperation partners)
- Development and validation of novel analytical approaches for environmental and organismal samples
- Exchange with stakeholders and participation in field campaigns
- Result presentation and publication writing
- Representing the department in research networks and networking with research- and funding institutions
Your Profile
We are seeking a candidate with a pronounced interest in research of biodiversity, conservation and environmental ge-netics. The candidates should possess good problem-solving skills, a high degree of self-motivation, independence and the ability to work in a team. The candidate would be a qualified biologist with a background ecology, evolution, fresh-water research, agroecology or another discipline with proven record in biodiversity assessment using molecular meth-ods. An experience in nature conservation, data analysis, publication and outreach are very welcome.
- A BSc or MSc in a relevant field or an equivalent qualification.
- Experience in laboratory and working with sequencing data with possible track-record of publications and/or outreach activities
Our Offer
Carinthia University of Applied Sciences appreciates the motivation and great commitment of its employees and offers attractive and family-friendly conditions. You will join a dynamic and interdisciplinary team dedicated to advancing bi-odiversity research and sustainable conservation practices.
- Scope of employment: 50%
- Contract duration: 1 year, ideally starting in September 2025.
- Place of employment: Campus Villach, Europastrasse 4, 9524 Villach.
- Minimum salary: Euro 2.990.- gross per month (for full-time employment), negotiable based on qualifications and experience.
We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in academia.
Your expertise
- Experience working in a molecular laboratory including sample management, DNA extraction, PCR, library preparation.
- Previous work with eDNA collection or other environmental samples is a plus.
- Proved knowledge in analysing datasets of sequences including use of databases and relevant software.
- Understanding of key principles in evolution and ecology and basic knowledge of any terrestrial or freshwater taxonomic group (e.g., fish, amphibians, macroinvertebrates, pollinators, plants, fungi) would be helpful for this position.
- Track record of written publications and/or oral presentation at conferences and symposia and/or stakeholder workshops organizations.
- Mandatory fluency in English, knowledge of German, Slovenian or other languages is a plus.
Personal Attributes
- A team-oriented individual with a precise and reliable work ethic.
- Strong motivation for exciting dataset analysis and pursuing of novel research topics
This position requires a dynamic and interdisciplinary professional who is passionate about advancing the field of biodi-versity research and conservation.
Application deadline: 20th July, 2025
Application
Please upload your complete application documents via our homepage at http://www.fh-kaernten.at/jobs
- Required documents:
- Letter of motivation
- Curriculum vitae incl. photo
- Proof of education and practical experience
- List of publications and any PDF of relevant publications
- Expected timeline for the application process:
- Application deadline: July 20, 2025
- Online interviews: will take place during the calendar week 31
- Proposed start date: September 1, 2025 (negotiable)
- Please note: We regret that we are unable to reimburse travel costs or other expenses related to participation in the selection process.
We look forward to receiving your detailed application and welcoming you to our team.
We look forward to receiving your detailed application.
