Scientist (f/m/d) Transforming Plant Holobiont Research With AI/ML

As Austria\’s largest research and technology organisation for applied research, we are dedicated to making substantial contributions to solving the major challenges of our time, climate change and digitalisation. To achieve our goals, we rely on our specific research, development, and technology competencies, which are the basis of our commitment to excellence in all areas. With our open culture of innovation and our motivated, international teams, we are working to position AIT as Austria\’s leading research institution at the highest international level and to make a positive contribution to the economy and society.

By answering the current call of the Vienna Science and Technology Fund (WWTF) for Vienna Research Groups for Young Investigators (VRG), our Center for Health & Bioresources aims to attract exceptional early-career researchers to establish their first independent research group in Vienna . This prestigious program provides substantial funding of up to €1.8 million over six to eight years, enabling pioneering research at the forefront of “Transforming Science with AI/ML” . The selected candidate will then go on to submit the requested application together with an experienced host scientist (proponent).

The AIT Center for Health & Bioresources elaborates knowledge and applications for sustainable crop production and pest control and develops microbe-based solutions for the bioeconomy. We therefore look for applicants that develop cutting-edge AI/ML concepts, approaches, and methods to advance the understanding of the plant holobiont (i.e., the plant and its associated microorganisms) and its interaction with the environment and various abiotic and biotic stressors. We appreciate a strong computational background and the ambition to develop novel methods, algorithms, or innovative applications.

Responsibilities

• Being part of the Competence Unit Bioresources within the Center for Health & Bioresources you build up your own research group.
• You develop AI/ML methods for multi-modal (multi-omics) data integration.
• You are involved in the set-up of novel architectures for processing sensor-based phenotype data of plants.
• Together with the team you innovate the field of holobiont-environment interactions leading to new applications. You plan and lead research projects and implement them according to the highest scientific standards. This is associated with publishing, lecturing and other dissemination activities.
• You publish your results in international journals and present them at international conferences.
• You supervise and support students.
• In collaboration with a university in Vienna you are involved in lecturing and teaching activities.
• Your innovative work and multi-disciplinary approach help to develop novel applications for sustainable crop production.

Your Qualifications As An Ingenious Partner

• Doctoral degree/PhD with up to eight years post-doctoral research experience.
• Excellent knowledge in AI/ML and domain knowledge in a life science discipline (e.g. agronomy, botany, microbiology).
• Sound knowledge of modelling, multi-modal data integration and analysis are crucial.
• Excellent publication record and international reputation.
• Experience in designing and participating in research projects, ability to lead research groups, willingness to acquire third-party funding.
• Educational and didactic qualifications, including supervision of Master and PhD students.
• Special interest in applied research and the solution of practical problems.
• Excellent language skills in English (spoken & written).
• Applicants are currently (till March 2025) not employed in Austria and must have gained research experience at a university or other research institution outside of Austria for a total of at least two years in the previous three years.

What To Expect

The opportunity to obtain a permanent position with a starting minimum gross annual salary on a full-time basis (38.5 h/week) according to the collective agreement of EUR 59.934,–. The actual salary will be determined individually, based on your qualifications and experience. In addition, we offer company benefits, flexible working conditions, individual training and career opportunities.

At AIT, diversity and inclusion are of great importance. This is why we strive to inspire women to join our teams in the field of technology. We welcome applications from women, who will be given preference in case of equal qualifications after taking into account all relevant facts and circumstances of all applications.

The Application Deadline Is January 10, 2025, 3pm (CET). Please Note That Only Complete Applications Will Be Considered Without Exception. Kindly Ensure That You Submit a Complete Application Package, Which Consists Of:

• a meaningful and complete CV
• a cover letter in which you outline the relevance of your specific skills to the scientific scope of the advertised position and in which you explain your motivation for the application
• relevant certificates

For Further Information Please Contact

Dr. Angela Sessitsch, angela.sessitsch(at)ait.ac.at

Apply now!

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