The Vetmeduni teaches, undertakes research and offers services designed to guarantee the health of animals in Austria. We view our work as our contribution to ensuring human health and the health of our animal companions as well as to the production of healthy food. To help us meet these objectives, Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria www.vetmeduni.ac.at Ref: 2023/0419 Page 1/3 our Institute of Animal Welfare Science is looking for a University Assistant (Pre-Doc) who will join our research team. This position involves working on a fully funded four-year project, ideally starting on 1th May 2024. The primary objective of the project is to investigate telomere dynamics as an indicator of cumulative life experiences, encompassing both positive and negative experiences, in non-human animals. The model species for this research are domestic chickens; however, the findings will have applications across various animal species. This interdisciplinary project spans the fields of animal welfare, behavioral biology, neuroendocrinology, and molecular biology. The selected candidate will gain diverse experience by collaborating with different labs. Most of the work will be conducted in Vienna, Austria, with laboratory analysis (approx. 6 months) taking place in Groningen, Netherlands. Grade: B1 Pre-Doc Level of employment: 30 hours per week Duration of contract: limited to 4 years Deadline for applications: 15.02.2024 Reference number: 2023/0419 Working place: Vetmeduni Campus Responsibilities and tasks • Conducting research and laboratory work. • Collaborating with animal caretakers to ensure the well-being of experimental animals. • Implementing operant conditioning techniques to assess emotional states. • Applying enrichment activities and stressors to the animals for research purposes. • Collecting blood and faecal samples and analysing the resulting data. • Conducting statistical analyses on gathered data. • Drafting and preparing manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals. • Pursuing a PhD programme and preparing the PhD thesis based on the research findings. Necessary education, qualifications and knowledge on taking up employment • Completed Master's degree (min. 300 ECTS) in biosciences, veterinary medicine, agriculture, psychology, or a related field. Ref: 0000/0000 Date: 21.12.23 Page 2/3 • Proficiency in English at C1 level, with excellent spoken and written communication skills. Desirable qualifications and skills • Experience in handling and training animals. • Experience in collecting samples and laboratory analysis. • Mobility: Willingness to perform work in two laboratories (in Austria and Netherlands). • Driving License: Possession of a Class B driving license is a plus (for collecting enrichment and other project-related material, inducing transportation stress etc). • Teamwork: Ability to work independently and as part of a team and have good interpersonal skills. • Collaboration: Willingness to work in a collaborative and multidisciplinary setting. • Research Skills: Previous experience in research and statistical analysis would be an advantage. We offer • The opportunity to work on a research project with major implications for animal welfare • The opportunity to develop research skills in multiple disciplines • A collaborative and multidisciplinary working environment • Top university: the Vetmeduni is one of the leading academic institutions in Europe to offer education in and undertake research on veterinary medicine • Stable employer • Attractive campus • Opportunities for further training, both personal and in connection with your career • Preventive and medical health care • Diversity- and family-friendly culture • Childcare facilities, both in term time and during holidays • Many attractive fringe benefits • Staff events Minimum salary The minimum salaries at universities are governed by a collective bargaining agreement. At the level given above, the minimum salary amounts to EUR 0,000.00 gross per month (based on full-time employment). Applications We shall be happy to receive your application, quoting reference number 2023/0419, by email to bewerbungen@vetmeduni.ac.at. Please do not forget to include the reference number, or we shall not be able to assign your application to the correct position. Please submit the following documents to your application: Ref: 0000/0000 Date: 21.12.23 Page 3/3 • a letter addressing the selection criteria (necessary knowledge and qualifications, desired skills and abilities) in a few pages • a letter of motivation describing your research interests, experience and goals • a full CV • a written report, e.g. your MSc thesis, indicating your writing and/or scientific skills • a list of two reference names • if you are selected for the position, you must provide your graduation certificate when you take up employment (expected graduation at the latest by 1th of April 2024) In accordance with § 41 of the 2002 Universities Act, the Vetmeduni is striving to increase the proportion of female staff members, particularly in leadership positions, and to achieve a balanced ratio of men and women on its staff, especially the scientific staff, and would thus welcome applications from qualified females. If women are underrepresented (below 50%), female candidates who are as well qualified as the most appropriate male candidates will be given preference, provided that there is no reason to prefer a particular males candidate. There is no cost for applying for the position. However, candidates have no rights to reimbursement of any travel and accommodation costs that may arise in connection with their applications. The Vetmeduni is proud to hold the certificate “hochschuleundfamilie” (university and family) and thus welcomes applications from people with families. We also welcome applications from persons with disabilities. Further information Dr. Janja Sirovnik T +43 1 25077–4906 E janja.sirovnik-koscica@vetmeduni.ac.at www.vetmeduni.ac.at/en/animal-welfare-science