The Christian Doppler Laboratory for Cellulose High‑Tech Materials at BOKU is offering three fully funded PhD positions starting in 2026. The research focuses on cellulose chemistry, green processes, and sustainable high‑tech materials. These positions are ideal for candidates passionate about renewable resources, biorefinery concepts, and the development of next‑generation cellulose‑based materials. The project is an industrially relevant research environment.
Overview of the PhD positions
The three PhD positions are hosted at the Institute of Chemistry of Renewable Resources at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), within the Christian Doppler Laboratory (CD Lab) for Cellulose High‑Tech Materials. The CD Lab is located at the UFT Tulln campus, a modern interdisciplinary research centre dedicated to renewable resources, bio‑based materials, and green chemistry.
Each position for Cellulose High‑Tech Materials focuses on application‑oriented, fundamental research on cellulose‑based high‑tech materials, with strong collaboration with several industrial partners from the pulp, fibre, resin, and textile sectors. Research topics span cellulose chemistry, cellulose modification, advanced characterisation, and biorefinery chemistry, all embedded in the broader framework of sustainable materials and green processes.
The CD Lab is led by Ass. Prof. Dr Hubert Hettegger from the Institute of Chemistry of Renewable Resources is an expert in cellulose and lignocellulosic chemistry with extensive experience at the interface of academia, startups, and industry. Under his supervision, the PhD candidates will work on Cellulose High‑Tech Materials in a highly collaborative team, combining fundamental chemistry, process development, and structure–property understanding of cellulose‑based systems.
About the Christian Doppler Laboratory for Cellulose High‑Tech Materials
The Christian Doppler Laboratory for Cellulose High‑Tech Materials investigates the properties, characterization, sustainable production, and processing of cellulose‑based materials in line with the principles of green chemistry. Rather than focusing solely on renewable raw materials, the lab considers the entire process chain, including solvents, auxiliaries, recyclability, energy demand, and by‑products, to ensure truly sustainable processes instead of superficial “greenwashing.”
Key scientific goals include:
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Developing sustainable modification methods for cellulose and cellulose‑based composites, using greener reagents, solvents, and catalysts.
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Understanding degradation, aging, and side reactions in cellulose processing to improve lifetime, recyclability, and performance of cellulose fibers, films, filters, and binders.
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Establishing molecular‑level and surface‑sensitive characterisation methods to elucidate structure–property–application relationships in cellulose materials.
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Creating strategies for strengthening and densifying cellulose‑based filter products, developing cellulose‑based binders, and enabling environmentally friendly textile dyeing and finishing.
The laboratory is embedded in an industrial partnership consortium including Lenzing AG, Papierfabrik Wattens, Metadynea Austria, and Vienna Textile Lab, enabling direct transfer of scientific insight to real‑world processes and products. This industrial collaboration creates a unique environment for PhD candidates interested in both academic rigour and practical impact in researching Cellulose High‑Tech Materials.
Research themes and potential PhD topics
While each PhD candidate will have an individual project, the three positions collectively address core aspects of cellulose chemistry and high‑tech cellulose materials. Possible thematic directions include:
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Cellulose derivatisation and green modification
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Designing and optimising sustainable modification routes for cellulose (e.g. etherification, esterification, crosslinking) using bio‑based or low‑toxicity reagents.
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Investigating reaction mechanisms, kinetics, and selectivity to reduce by‑products and improve atom economy in cellulose functionalization.
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Structure–property relationships in cellulose‑based fibers and films
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Correlating chemical modification patterns, supramolecular structure, and morphology with mechanical, barrier, and adsorption properties of cellulose fibers, films, and membranes.
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Applying advanced analytical tools (e.g. NMR, FTIR, Raman, chromatography, microscopy, scattering) to understand the impact of processing conditions on material performance.
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Biorefinery chemistry and process integration
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Exploring the recycling and regeneration of process chemicals in cellulose production, such as spinning solvents and crosslinkers, to minimize waste and environmental footprint.
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Integrating cellulose chemistry with broader lignocellulosic biorefinery concepts, aiming at maximal valorization of biomass streams and side fractions.
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Cellulose‑based functional materials and applications
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Developing cellulose‑based filter media, binders, composites, or smart textiles with tailored porosity, surface chemistry, and interaction with pollutants or dyes.
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Collaborating with industrial partners to translate laboratory findings into scalable processes, pilot‑scale trials, and prototype materials.
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Each Cellulose High‑Tech Materials PhD project will combine synthetic or process chemistry with advanced characterisation and data‑driven evaluation, supported by the excellent infrastructure at UFT Tulln and BOKU’s Department of Chemistry.
What BOKU and UFT Tulln offer
The University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) in Vienna is a leading European university in the fields of renewable resources, sustainability, and bio‑based technologies. Its Institute of Chemistry of Renewable Resources has more than two decades of experience in cellulose and lignin chemistry, biorefinery concepts, and green process development, providing a strong foundation for the CD Lab’s activities.
UFT Tulln, where the CD Lab is located, brings together multiple research units working on environmental science, analytical chemistry, and biomass conversion in a state‑of‑the‑art facility. PhD candidates will benefit from access to modern laboratories, high‑end instrumentation, and a vibrant international research community.
Beyond scientific infrastructure, BOKU offers structured doctoral training, transferable skills courses, and opportunities to present research at national and international conferences. The collaboration with industrial partners also opens opportunities for industry secondments, joint workshops, and applied research networking.
Requirements for applicants
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in chemistry, biotechnology, or a closely related field by the time the PhD position begins. A strong background in organic and/or analytical chemistry is expected, and prior experience with polymer chemistry, cellulose or polysaccharide chemistry, or green/biorefinery processes will be considered a plus.
Core scientific and professional requirements include:
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Solid theoretical and practical knowledge in organic chemistry and analytical chemistry.
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Experience in laboratory work, including synthesis, purification, and analytical characterization.
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Independent research skills, including experimental planning, data analysis, and troubleshooting.
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Ability to write scientific reports and, ideally, prior exposure to manuscript preparation or thesis writing.
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Strong presentation and communication skills in English, with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly.
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Teamwork skills and willingness to collaborate in a multidisciplinary and international environment.
Because the CD Lab operates at the interface of academic and industrial research, an interest in application‑oriented projects and in understanding industrial needs and constraints is highly valued. Motivation to contribute to sustainable technologies, green chemistry, and renewable resources is essential.
Duration, funding, and employment conditions
Each PhD position is offered as a fully funded employment contract for a duration of three years. The positions are 30 hours per week, which is the standard Christian Doppler Laboratory PhD contract model at BOKU.
The gross salary is approximately 2,832 EUR per month, paid 14 times per year under Austrian regulations, resulting in a competitive annual income that includes special holiday and Christmas payments. The employment package includes full social, health, and pension insurance coverage, in line with Austrian public‑sector employment standards.
Start dates are planned for September or October 2026, providing sufficient time for selected candidates to complete their Master’s degree, arrange relocation, and obtain visas where necessary. The contracts are embedded within the Christian Doppler Laboratory framework, which emphasizes high‑quality research, regular evaluation, and strong interaction with industrial partners.
Why Cellulose High‑Tech Materials PhD positions are attractive
These three positions combine fundamental scientific challenges with direct industrial relevance, making them particularly attractive for candidates who want both academic depth and real‑world impact. Working in the CD Lab allows you to contribute to the development of next‑generation cellulose materials that can be used in environmentally friendly fibers, filters, binders, and textiles, helping to decarbonize and detoxify key industrial sectors.
The interdisciplinary nature of the lab means that you will collaborate with chemists, material scientists, process engineers, and industrial partners, gaining a broad skill set stretching from molecular chemistry to process understanding and techno‑environmental considerations. Along the way, you will build expertise in advanced analytical techniques, scientific writing, and project management—skills that are valuable for careers in academia, R&D, and industry.
Austria also offers a high quality of life, good public transport, and a safe environment for international students, with Vienna and its surroundings consistently ranking among the most livable regions in Europe. The Tulln campus is conveniently connected to Vienna, allowing you to enjoy both a focused research environment and the cultural life of the capital.
Apply for Cellulose High‑Tech Materials Position here
To apply for one of the three PhD positions in the Christian Doppler Laboratory for Cellulose High‑Tech Materials at BOKU, send a short CV directly to Ass. Prof. Dr Hubert Hettegger via email at: [email protected].
You can find the position description and application details here:
What to include in your application
According to the call, the essential element is a concise CV summarising your academic training, research experience, relevant skills, and, if available, publications or conference presentations. It is advisable to highlight your background in organic and analytical chemistry, laboratory skills, and any prior work related to cellulose, polysaccharides, biomass, or green chemistry.
Although not explicitly required in the call text, including the following can strengthen your application:
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A brief motivation paragraph or cover letter explaining why you are interested in cellulose high‑tech materials and green chemistry.
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Contact details for academic referees (e.g. Master’s supervisor, research project mentor).
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A summary of your Master’s thesis topic and its relevance to the advertised positions.
Submitting your application early is recommended, as positions may be filled on a rolling basis once suitable candidates are identified. If you have specific questions about project topics, lab environment, or starting dates, you can contact Ass. Prof. Dr. Hubert Hettegger directly at the email address provided above.
Tips for a strong PhD application in Cellulose High‑Tech Materials
Given the competitive nature of fully funded PhD positions in Europe, crafting a targeted application will significantly improve your chances of success. When preparing your CV and accompanying email, focus on aligning your profile with the core themes of cellulose chemistry, renewable resources, and green processes.>
Consider the following suggestions:
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Emphasize hands‑on experience: Highlight laboratory skills, such as organic synthesis, polymer modification, chromatography, spectroscopy, and analytical method development.
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Showcase research independence: Mention projects where you planned experiments, optimized procedures, or interpreted complex data yourself, such as your Master’s thesis or research internships.>
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Connect your interests to the CD Lab’s focus: Briefly explain how your past work or interests align with cellulose materials, biorefinery concepts, or sustainable chemistry.
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Demonstrate communication skills: List talks, posters, or reports you have prepared, which show your ability to communicate scientific results clearly.
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Indicate openness to industry collaboration: If you have worked with companies before or are particularly interested in applied research, mention this, as the CD Lab operates with strong industrial partnerships.
By tailoring your application to these priorities, you will demonstrate that you are a motivated candidate.
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