Fully funded PhD Position in Epidemiology – Investigating the Health Risks of Circadian Disruption

Overview

The Department of Epidemiology of MedUni Vienna is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the ERC Advanced Project “CLOCKrisk”. This project explores the health consequences of a disturbed circadian rhythm, with a focus on personalized risk assessment. Led by Eva Schernhammer, this research builds upon previous findings and leverages cutting-edge big data analytics, omics technologies, and biomarker analyses to better understand individual susceptibility to circadian disruption.

Project Overview
Approximately 20% of the global workforce experiences irregular working hours and night shifts, leading to disruptions in their internal biological clocks. These disturbances have been linked to serious chronic diseases and increased mortality risks, yet individual susceptibility varies due to genetic and environmental factors. By using advanced epidemiological methods, this project aims to assess and predict individual health risks associated with circadian misalignment—an essential step towards personalized medicine.

*The PhD candidate will gain expertise in:

Advanced epidemiological methods and study design.
Big data analytics for health research.
Omics and biomarker analysis to explore genetic and molecular pathways.
Personalized risk assessment techniques.
Collaborative research with international experts, with potential opportunities for short-term stays at Harvard University.

*Candidate Requirements
Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Bioinformatics, or a related field.
Strong quantitative skills, with experience in statistical analysis.
Advantageous: Background in genetic epidemiology, data science, or metabolomics.
Interest in circadian rhythms, occupational health, and chronic disease research.

*What We Offer
A fully funded PhD position in a leading epidemiological research environment. Competative salary. Access to state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies at our university. International networking and collaboration opportunities. The chance to contribute to a research area with global public health relevance. Work and live in one of the most liveable cities- Vienna.

Interested candidates should apply through MedUni Vienna’s online application tool. Detailed information about the application process and deadlines can be found on the PhD Call Application Guide. Please ensure all necessary supporting documents and references are submitted before the application deadline. Feel free to reach out to our PhD Coordinator if you have any questions at phdrecruitment@meduniwien.ac.at