Job Description

Excited to announce a new PhD opening in our lab

Our lab at MedUni Vienna is recruiting a PhD student for the project ‚Experimental models for optimizing cardiovascular implant surfaces towards enhanced hemocompatibility.` If you are interested please submit your application via our MUW portal as follow:

Application portal: https://lnkd.in/dKsiT44X

Open positions overview: https://lnkd.in/dqPP45Dd

Application deadline: 26.04.2026, 23:55 CET

Our university offers PhD research opportunities in the fields of Life Sciences, Medical Engineering and AI/Machine Learning, in the current PhD call. You can explore currently available positions here on this website. To ensure a fair and transparent recruitment process where all candidates have equal opportunities, we can only consider applications submitted through our online application tool for the listed projects. It is NOT necessairy to reach out in advance to any PI participating in the PhD call. If you have any questions about the projects or process, please reach out to phdrecruitment@meduniwien.ac.at.

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

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

General Requirements

To apply, you must hold a Master’s or MD degree (or equivalent) in a field relevant to the open PhD project(s). You may apply while completing your Master’s, provided you expect to finish within six months.

Other essential qualifications include:

• Strong academic performance and relevant research experience
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
• Experience in writing and presenting scientific results, with clear data interpretation
• Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary, collaborative international research environment
• Motivation to develop and carry out your own research project

What Makes a Strong Application 

You are particularly well-suited if you also have:

• A Master’s or MD degree completed within the past three years
• Research experience directly related to the project(s), for example through a thesis or research project
• Practical experience—experimental and/or computational—relevant to the topic
• Evidence of prior research output, such as reports, theses, or publications

We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and career paths. If your experience does not match every point exactly but you can demonstrate a strong and relevant connection to the project, we encourage you to apply.

Start Your Application Early

We recommend starting your application well in advance of the deadline. Preparing your materials and securing referee submissions can take time, particularly as referees must complete their evaluations directly in the system. Starting early helps ensure your application is complete and submitted on time. If you are unsure who can act as a referee, please consult the FAQ.

We are looking forward to receive your application!

 We will add new PhD positions till 30.03.2026 and encourage all eligible candidates to apply by the specified deadline (26.04.2026) to ensure equal consideration. Application guideline for the online tool can be looked up here.  For further information about our PhD programs please visit our homepage.