The Medical University of Vienna is one of Europe’s leading biomedical research and teaching institutions, with around 6,500 employees and 8,600 students. As part of our regular PhD Call, held every semester, we invite highly motivated early-career researchers to apply for several fully funded PhD positions.
As a PhD candidate, you will be employed by the university and receive a competitive salary. Tuition fees are normally waived for up to four years. You will work under the guidance of experienced supervisors while developing and leading your own research project. Our structured PhD programmes provide a clear academic framework while allowing you to tailor your work to your scientific interests.
You will join a diverse, international research community and collaborate closely with peers, clinicians, and industry partners. The programme is designed to help you grow as an independent researcher — from experimental design and data analysis to scientific communication and publication.
Available PhD Projects:
Further information about each project, including specific eligibility requirements and program details, can be looked up on our website.
Current PhD Projects Available:
AI, Imaging & Biomedical Engineering
- AI models using imaging and genetics to predict breast cancer risk and tumour aggressiveness in BRCA variant carriers
- Digital biomarkers for enhanced AI-guided therapy in heart failure (D-BEAT)
- Experimental models for optimizing cardiovascular implant surfaces towards enhanced hemocompatibility
Inflammation, Immunology & Cardiovascular Disease
- Thrombo-inflammatory drug candidates in humanized mouse models of abdominal aortic aneurysms
- From infection to thrombosis: mechanisms linking infection and coagulation
- Impact of immunothrombosis on pulmonary disease manifestations
- Platelets as biomarkers for safer blood-contacting medical devices
- Effect of endothelial interaction with circulating blood cells in thrombus resolution and post-thrombotic disorders
- Elucidating the role of IgG antibodies in atherosclerosis
- The role of T cells in atherosclerosis and heart attacks
- Clonal hematopoiesis in chronic inflammation and cardiovascular disease
- Linking inflammatory and metabolic changes to procoagulant phenotypes and clinical outcomes in thrombosis
- Impact of mechanical stress on macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions
- Towards development of fibroblast-targeting therapeutic approaches in systemic sclerosis (SSc)
- Ashwagandha Supplementation in Endometriosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial Integrating Clinical and Mechanistic Outcomes
- Clinical and Translational Research in Inherited Bleeding Disorders, with Emphasis on Hemophilia
- Role of histamine in the pathophysiology of thrombosis in histamine sensitive species
Metabolism, Kidney & Systemic Disease
- Metaflammation in Kidney Diseases and Dialysis
Molecular Biology, Transport & Cancer Mechanisms
- Molecular understanding of chemotherapy response and resistance in colorectal cancer using complex organoids
- Studying the molecular mechanism of the lysosomal dipeptide transporter MFSD1
- Biophysical properties of organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3)
- Hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer risk and outcomes in germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 variant carriers
Neuroscience & Systems Biology
- Prefrontal circuits for value-based decision making
- The role of neuromodulation in prosocial behavior in health and disease
- Validation of novel peripheral pain targets
Public Health
- DataGenChron
Your Responsibilities
- Lead and conduct original research within one of 18 interdisciplinary PhD programmes
- Design, execute, and analyse experiments; interpret results and contribute to scientific advancement
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of researchers, clinicians, and industry partners
- Present your findings at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals
- Participate in conferences, seminars, workshops, and scientific meetings
- Contribute to project development and grant proposals
- Engage actively within the MedUni Vienna research community
Your profile
- Master's degree or equivalent in AI/ML, mathematics, (bio)physics, (bio)engineering, (bio)informatics, cancer, immunology, computer science, (bio)chemistry, biology or cell/molecular biology, medicine or a related field
- Initial research experience through internships, projects, or employment
- Strong motivation to pursue independent research and contribute to improving human health
- Passion for science and interest in a career in research
- Interest in conducting your own research and leading your own project
- Willingness to travel abroad for conferences
- Ability to work both in a team and independently
- Excellent English skills (at least C1 level) - we are an international crowd and English is our working language!
What We Offer
- Employment at MedUni Vienna with a competitive salary (Uni-KV, VerwGr. B1; currently EUR 2,832 gross × 14 per year/30hrs per week)
- No tuition fees for up to four years
- Interdisciplinary PhD programmes with flexible curricula
- Access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure (e.g. 7 Tesla MRI)
- Strong links to one of Europe’s largest university hospitals
- Mentoring, training, and professional development opportunities
- International and inclusive research community
- Flexible working arrangements
- Pension scheme, employee discounts, and subsidised canteen and public transportation
- Central location with public transport access
Requirements:
We encourage applications from qualified candidates worldwide. Applicants must hold a relevant master’s degree for their chosen PhD project and meet MedUni Vienna’s official admission criteria. Research experience or familiarity with specific methods may vary depending on the project. Candidates should have a strong academic or research background and a genuine interest in scientific inquiry. Proficiency in English (both written and spoken) is required, as all programs are taught in English.
For detailed information on the individual projects and their specific requirements, please visit our website: https://oc10.meduniwien.ac.at/open-phd-positions.
Selection Process:
- Document Review: The recruitment board will assess all applications. Shortlisted candidates are selected based on eligibility and qualifications.
- Online Interviews: Scheduled for mid-May 2026. Shortlisted candidates will meet up to three principal investigators (PIs) to discuss research interests and projects.
- PhD Campus Visit: Final in-person interviews will take place in Vienna end of June, 2026. During the visit, candidates will have the opportunity to meet with our research groups, current PhD students, learn about our research and explore the university.
How to Apply:
Please register in our online application portal and select up to three project titles of interest in the application form. Submit all required documents through the portal by 26.04.2026.
Applications can only be submitted once two reference letters have been received in the system.
Application portal: https://oc10.meduniwien.ac.at/open-phd-positions
If you have questions, please consult our FAQ section or Application Guide on our website. For further inquiries regarding the application process, please contact via
Email: stephanie.danzinger@meduniwien.ac.at
At MedUni Vienna, we are committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. We believe that bringing together people from different social, cultural, and professional backgrounds strengthens our research and enriches our academic community. We foster a respectful, fair, and transparent working environment where qualifications and achievements are valued. The university is committed to increasing the representation of women, particularly in academic and leadership roles, and strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Preference will be given to women with equivalent qualifications.
Information according to the General Data Protection Regulation is available on oc.meduniwien.ac.at/phd.