The Department of Microbiology at the University of Innsbruck offers a 6-month Master thesis or Erasmus+ traineeship in Innsbruck, Austria, studying the microbiome of anaerobic digesters with DNA, RNA and bioinformatics methods. The placement runs within the Temp4AD project, is expected to start on 15 January 2027, and applications close on 31 December 2026.
At Youth Works Hub, we went through the full vacancy and listed every task, requirement and condition below, so you can check your fit before you write to the supervisor. If you want to understand how traineeships abroad are funded, our guide to paid internships abroad and how funded traineeships work explains the basics.
About the Microbial Resource Management Group
The placement is hosted by the Microbial Resource Management (MRM) group at the Department of Microbiology, University of Innsbruck (Austria), led by Priv.-Doz. Dr. Sabine Podmirseg. The department works in the field of science, technology, engineering, maths and biology.
The Research Topic: Who Is There and What Are They Saying?
The project title is "Who's There and What Are They Saying? Decoding the Digester Microbiome Through Feast Days and Heat Waves". Anaerobic digestion turns organic waste into biogas and biomethane. You will study how the reactor microbiome responds to temperature fluctuations and organic overloading in fed-batch lab-scale anaerobic reactors started with three different inocula. The work belongs to the Temp4AD project.
Duration, Start Date and Study Fields
🗓️ The placement lasts 6 months and is expected to start on 15 January 2027.
🎓 It is open at Master level (EQF 7), as a traineeship during studies or as a Master thesis.
🧪 Listed fields: environmental sciences, statistics, environmental protection technology, biology and biochemistry.
🗣️ The working language is English.
Your Tasks in the Laboratory
🧫 DNA/RNA extraction from reactor sludge, with protocol optimisation.
🔬 qPCR quantification of key microbial groups, for example methanogens; dPCR can be tested if you are interested.
Your Tasks in Data Analysis
🧬 Amplicon sequencing analysis (DNA): quality filtering, ASVs and taxonomic classification of 16S rRNA gene data.
📡 Metatranscriptomics (RNA): quality control, rRNA removal, taxonomic and functional annotation, and gene expression analysis of key pathways such as methanogenesis.
📊 Statistics in R: alpha and beta diversity, ordination, PERMANOVA, differential abundance and correlation with process parameters.
🖼️ Visualisation and reporting of results.
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Who Can Apply
The vacancy asks for:
🎒 A Master student in Microbiology or a related field at an EU university; you should be enrolled in a Master programme in Microbiology or a related field at a university in the European Union.
🧠 Basic knowledge of microbiology, molecular biology and bioinformatics.
🥼 Lab experience in microbiology or molecular biology is an advantage.
💬 Good English.
Expected skills listed on the offer: analysing scientific and medical data, data analytics, mining and visualisation, renewable energy, testing and analysing substances, operating scientific and laboratory equipment, and collecting and preparing specimens or materials for testing. Tools: qPCR, DNA/RNA sequencing, standard molecular biology tools and bioinformatics.
Erasmus+ Traineeship or Master Thesis
The offer is open to Erasmus+ traineeship students: the department signs the Learning Agreement for Traineeships and supports the application with your home university. The position can also be done as a Master thesis. The programme listed is Erasmus+ traineeship, alongside other recognised mobility or funding programmes. For the wider picture of how internship types compare, see our overview of fellowships, internships and traineeships, and browse more Internship opportunities on Youth Works Hub.
Working Setup and Benefits
🏢 The placement is based in Innsbruck, Austria.
🕒 Full-time schedule at 30 hours per week.
📚 Benefit listed: learning courses and training assistance.
✈️ Visa and work authorisation support: international candidates can be hosted, and the department provides the necessary documentation, such as a signed Learning Agreement and an invitation letter.
Is the Traineeship Paid?
The offer is listed as an unpaid traineeship. It is offered under the Erasmus+ traineeship programme, so your mobility grant comes through Erasmus+.
How to Apply
Apply with your CV, a motivation letter and your transcript of records, sent by email to Priv.-Doz. Dr. Sabine Podmirseg.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Innsbruck microbiome placement based and when does it start?
It is based at the Department of Microbiology, University of Innsbruck, in Innsbruck, Austria. It is expected to start on 15 January 2027 and lasts 6 months.
Who is eligible to apply?
You must be a Master student in Microbiology or a related field enrolled at a university in the European Union, with basic knowledge of microbiology, molecular biology and bioinformatics. Good English is required.
Can I do this as a Master thesis?
Yes. The position can be done as a Master thesis or as an Erasmus+ traineeship, and the department signs the Learning Agreement for Traineeships.
Is the traineeship paid?
It is listed as an unpaid traineeship under the Erasmus+ traineeship programme, so funding comes through the Erasmus+ grant arranged with your home university.
What will I work on?
You will extract DNA and RNA from reactor sludge, quantify microbial groups with qPCR, analyse 16S rRNA amplicon and metatranscriptomic data, run statistics in R and report your results, all within the Temp4AD project.
Do I need lab experience?
Basic knowledge of microbiology, molecular biology and bioinformatics is required. Lab experience in microbiology or molecular biology is an advantage, not a requirement.
Does the university help with visas?
Yes. International candidates can be hosted, and the department provides the necessary documentation, such as a signed Learning Agreement and an invitation letter.
What should I send in my application?
Send your CV, motivation letter and transcript of records by email to Priv.-Doz. Dr. Sabine Podmirseg, using the address in the Application Email section below.
Deadline
⏳ 31 December 2026
Links
📧 Application Email: sabine.podmirseg@uibk.ac.at
🌐 Department of Microbiology: https://www.uibk.ac.at/en/department-of-microbiology/
