Tenure Track Professor of Function and Health of Beta Cells

at  Medical University Graz

Identification number: LS-MBBC-2024-003046
Application time: 12/12/2024
We are looking for an excellent researcher with great potential to develop an internationally recognized research agenda in the fields of (cellular) (energy) metabolism, signaling, molecular biology and biochemistry. The successful candidate is expected to conduct research and teaching in molecular biology and biochemistry, focusing on the function and health of beta cells. The new position will complement the research activities of the Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at the Gottfried Schatz Research Center Graz. The initial appointment is limited to six years. After the conclusion of a qualification agreement, the career advancement goal is to transfer to a tenured position as an associate professor (tenure track professor pursuant to § 99 para. 5 and 6 of the Universities Act). The qualification agreement may be fulfilled more quickly if the candidate demonstrates outstanding and remarkable achievements.

Core duties and responsibilities:

• Conducting cutting-edge research in the field of molecular biology and biochemistry with a focus on interdisciplinary work on the impact of lipid metabolism and energy metabolism on beta cell regulation and (dys)function
• Collaborating on the FWF Cluster of Excellence in aging research (Metabolic Control of Aging and Disease; MetAGE), SFB Lipid Hydrolysis and other related research projects on energy metabolism and aging at the division
• Establishing and operating collaborations with clinical departments
• Establishing and leading an internationally recognized research group
• Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, supervising diploma and PhD students and mentoring and promoting young researchers
• Acquiring third-party funding
• Writing and publishing high-quality scientific papers in reputable journals
• Establishing and maintaining networks through local, national and international research collaborations
• Giving lectures and seminars and actively contributing to conferences
• Supporting scientific and public outreach in the research area (public lectures, media, etc.)
• Actively participating in the organization and management of the Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, including teaching-related matters

Successful candidates must have the following qualifications:

• PhD or MD/PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in molecular biology, biochemistry or a related field
• Profound research expertise in the field of pancreatic beta cell biology and with respect to lipid and energy metabolism
• Experience in working in interdisciplinary research teams that target human diabetes mellitus
• Participation in scientific and clinical (interdisciplinary) research
• Several years of experience in energy and lipid metabolism research with a focus on the development and progression of diabetes in mouse models
• Experience in working with pancreatic beta cells, ability to isolate in situ islets
• Proven track record of high-quality publications
• Peer-reviewed research grants or other third-party funding as a lead or principal investigator
• Postdoctoral research fellowship abroad or at a different institution than where the PhD was completed of at least 12 months
• Previous experience in teaching and/or (co)supervising pre- and/or postgraduate students (depending on the applicant’s career stage)
• High level of proficiency in both written and spoken English (equivalent to proficiency level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) and a strong willingness to learn German

The ideal candidate has the following profile:

• Research expertise in the biochemical analysis of signaling processes in various cell types and mouse models
• Willingness to cooperate, open-mindedness and ability to work in a team
• Communication and social skills
• Outstanding level of motivation
• Systematic and analytical mindset, excellent organizational skills
• Responsible work habits, resilience and problem-solving skills

Entry date: 03/01/2025
initially limited to 6 years, becoming a tenured position when the qualification agreement is met
Level of employment: 100%
Classification in employment group A2 according to the collective agreement for university employees.
Application: The Medical University of Graz invites all applicants to submit their application online by 12 December 2024.
Please note that we can only consider complete applications that have been received by the application deadline. A list of the documents to be submitted can be found here.
Statutory information: The minimum remuneration is based on the collective agreement for university employees (KV § 49.2).

• Conducting cutting-edge research in the field of molecular biology and biochemistry with a focus on interdisciplinary work on the impact of lipid metabolism and energy metabolism on beta cell regulation and (dys)function
• Collaborating on the FWF Cluster of Excellence in aging research (Metabolic Control of Aging and Disease; MetAGE), SFB Lipid Hydrolysis and other related research projects on energy metabolism and aging at the division
• Establishing and operating collaborations with clinical departments
• Establishing and leading an internationally recognized research group
• Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, supervising diploma and PhD students and mentoring and promoting young researchers
• Acquiring third-party funding
• Writing and publishing high-quality scientific papers in reputable journals
• Establishing and maintaining networks through local, national and international research collaborations
• Giving lectures and seminars and actively contributing to conferences
• Supporting scientific and public outreach in the research area (public lectures, media, etc.)
• Actively participating in the organization and management of the Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, including teaching-related matter