Work with us!

Vienna Textile Lab is a biotech/fashion tech company that focuses on the research, development, and production of textile dyes derived from microorganisms. Our goal is to successfully combine sustainability, safety, and performance and to generate a commercially viable alternative to traditional, synthetic dyes.

Master Thesis @BOKU

Extraction of dyes from bacterial biomass

The Institute of Chemistry of Renewable Resources investigates the chemistry of the future, which is based on sustainable resources. The focus is on the chemistry and analysis of lignocelluloses and biomass, biorefineries, new analytical and separation processes, and modern methods and reactions in the field of “green chemistry”.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biotechnology, or related fields
Basic understanding of analytical chemistry and downstream processing

Your Research Topic

The master thesis is concerned with the development of methods for environmentally friendly downstream processing. In particular, dyes and pigments will be extracted and purified by Soxhlet extraction, supercritical CO₂ methods, and other “green” solvents from bacterial biomass. The obtained dyes will subsequently be characterized by spectroscopic methods.

Duration is 6 months, intended to start from October 2023.
Please submit your application and CV to Ass. Prof. Dr. Hubert Hettegger, hubert.hettegger@boku.ac.at, Christian Doppler Laboratory for Cellulose High-Tech Materials, UFT Tulln, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry of Renewable Resources

Chief Science Officer

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Chief Science Officer to lead our company’s research and development efforts in the areas of bioengineering, chemistry, and textile dyeing. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in bioengineering, chemistry, or a related field, with significant experience in leading multidisciplinary research teams in these areas. The Chief Science Officer will be responsible for developing and implementing scientific strategies that will enable our company to achieve its long-term goals in these areas.

Your Key Responsibilities:

Lead and manage a team of scientists and researchers in bioengineering, chemistry, and textile dyeing.
Develop and execute research and development strategies in these areas that align with the company’s overall business objectives.
Identify and pursue new research opportunities and collaborations that will help to expand the company’s capabilities in these areas.
Stay abreast of new scientific and technological developments in these areas and incorporate them into the company’s research programs as appropriate.
Manage intellectual property development and protection activities in these areas, including patent filings and licensing negotiations.
Collaborate with other members of the executive team to ensure that the company’s scientific efforts are aligned with its overall business strategy.
Present research findings and recommendations to the company’s board of directors and other stakeholders.
Collaborate with internal and external partners, including biotech and chemical companies, to develop and implement new technologies, processes, and products.
Manage the budget, resources, and timelines for research and development projects.
Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards related to the development and production of textiles.

Qualifications:

A Ph.D. in bioengineering, chemistry, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in leading multidisciplinary research teams in bioengineering, chemistry, and/or textile dyeing.
Demonstrated experience in developing and executing successful research and development strategies.
Strong knowledge of bioengineering, chemistry, and/or textile dyeing principles and technologies.
Proven ability to manage intellectual property development and protection activities.
Excellent leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with other members of the executive team to achieve company goals.
Demonstrated track record of scientific publications and presentations.

The position will be located in Vienna. For this position, a collectively agreed entry-level salary based on full-time employment (40 hours, plus 13th and 14th salary) of 3.000 EUR gross/month applies. We offer overpayment in line with the market, depending on qualifications and experience. If you are interested in working in an open-minded, highly motivated team and want to be part of a startup please submit your application to office@viennatextilelab.at

Synthetic Chemist

Your Tasks

Extracting bacterial dyes from various bacteria stems

Purification of dyes

Characterisation and structural elucidation

Solid literature study

We are looking for

Solid synthesis background, organic chemistry and organic analysis, natural chemistry

Excellent technical skills

Excellent laboratory practice

Good project management skills

Expected personal skills

Organised and self-driven

Result-oriented and high level of initiative

Team player

Excellent communication skills

The position will be located in Vienna. For this position, a collectively agreed entry-level salary based on full-time employment (40 hours, plus 13th and 14th salary) of 2.300 EUR gross/month applies. We offer overpayment in line with the market, depending on qualifications and experience. If you are interested in working in an open-minded, highly motivated team and want to be part of a startup please submit your application to office@viennatextilelab.at

Bioengineer

Your Tasks

Microbial fermentations

Upscaling with partners

Solid literature study

Optimisation of yield and colour production

We are looking for

Solid experience in natural compounds (vitamins, biopigments, active ingredients)

Excellent technical skills

Excellent laboratory practice

Good project management skills

3 years of working experience or exceptional scientific record

Upscaling experience > 100 L

Expected personal skills

Organised and self-driven

Result-oriented and high level of initiative

Team player

Excellent communication skills

Textile Dyer

Your Tasks

develop dyeing methods for our novel dyes
characterisation of dyes and pigments
oversee and manage the textile testing regime
textile testing
work with clients on their vision of colour

We are looking for

chemical background or similar
3 years of working experience in the industry
Experience with natural dyes is a bonus

Expected personal skills

Organised and self-driven
Result-oriented and high level of initiative
Team player
excellent communication skills

Financial Expert

Your Tasks

financial plan for the next 10 years
investor management
year-end planning and forecasting

We are looking for

Financially trained (university or equivalent)
Experience in biotech, chemistry, or fashion businesses
Working experience 5 years
Negotiator in an investment round is a bonus

Expected personal skills

Organised and self-driven
Result-oriented and high level of initiative
Team player
Excellent communication skills

The position can be managed from any location. Part-time or on subcontracting basis possible. For this position, a collectively agreed entry-level salary based on full-time employment (40 hours, plus 13th and 14th salary) of 2.300 EUR gross/month applies. We offer overpayment in line with the market, depending on qualifications and
experience. If you are interested in working in an open-minded, highly motivated team and want to be part of a startup please submit your application to office@viennatextilelab.at.

Internships

We take in every year a limited number of students for internships and master theses. The minimum duration is 4 months the maximum 6 months.

We have been supported by FFG Talente Femtech Internships for Female Students.

Submit your application to office@viennatextilelab.at. Please list your practical experience in labwork.