FemTech Internship “Testing bacterial strains for Fusarium head blight in the field and testing their suitability for production“

As Austria's largest research and technology organisation for applied research, we are dedicated to make 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.

Our Center for Health & Bioresources invites applications for an internship position for our location in Tulln (in immediate vicinity to Vienna). In the Center for Health & Bioresources we aim to solve challenges associated with demographic change, resource scarcity and environmental pollution and to develop innovative solutions, that enable early disease detection and support healthy and active aging.

In the coming years, the use of chemical pesticides is to be reduced in order to be able to feed the growing world population while maintaining the same yield. For this reason, biological agents that have fewer side effects on the environment are being sought above all. Biological crop protection methods are based on natural antagonists of pests and pathogens. These can be fungi, bacteria or viruses. Throughout this internship, as part of our Bioresources team, you will closely work with our experts and will be mainly looking for bacteria that protect the plant against diseases. Damping off diseases are increasingly a major problem in agriculture, as chemical agents are no longer available due to their environmental problems.

FemTech Internship "Testing bacterial strains for Fusarium head blight in the field and testing their suitability for production"

Incl. the possibility for a Master's Thesis

• As part of our multidisciplinary team, you will work in an applied research project aiming to develop new biological control agents.
• You will test bacterial strains from our strain collections, in our modern lab and in the greenhouse - The focus will be on the control of Fusarium head blight.
• Furthermore, you will test good bacterial candidates for the ability to use them for large production.
• To better understand the mode of action, you will analyse the genomes of the best strains.
• Your results can contribute to the selection of the most promising biocontrol strains, which can then be passed on to our industry partners.
• You will create synergies with our industrial partners in the project and increase efficiency through collaboration.
• Your results can contribute to sustainable agriculture.

Your qualifications as an Ingenious Partner:

• You are currently enrolled in a master study programme an Austrian university in the field of Microbiology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or similar
• Knowledge in working with microbes
• Accuracy in laboratory work
• Interested in plant experiment in greenhouse and field
• Enthusiasm for scientific work
• Interest to work in a multidisciplinary team and collaborate on different topics
• Good communication skills in German or English both spoken and written

What to expect:

• Starting date: possible from April 2024
• Internship duration: 6 months
• A remuneration of at least EUR 1.400,-- gross per month for 38.5 hours per week.
• Possibility for a master's thesis: In addition to our company benefits, flexible working conditions and work experience in a highly innovative environment, we offer the possibility of writing a master thesis - In case you are interested in writing your final thesis throughout this internship, please let us know. As a research institution, we are familiar with the supervision and implementation of master's theses and we are looking forward to supporting you accordingly.

AIT participates in the FEMtech programme of the Austrian Research Promotion Agency. 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.

Please submit your documents including your CV, cover letter and your certificates online

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