The Alpine region is a highly sensitive ecosystem undergoing rapid climate-driven transformations. In particular the intersection of wildlife animals, farming, food production, and intensive manure management creates complex ecological and sanitary pressures. Recent evidence has shown that this high-sensitivity interface accelerates spread of zoonotic diseases, challenges soil and water quality, and directly threatens human, animal, and environmental health—creating an urgent need for integrative ONE HEALTH strategies.

Driven by a powerful alliance of four leading alpine universities across Austria and Italy, OHASIS brings together a consortium of renowned experts in zoonoses, infectious disease dynamics, antimicrobial and antifungal resistance, food microbiomics, mountain agronomy, agroecology, and veterinary public health. These experts combine their efforts within three interconnected research clusters—1) Alpwiese: strengthening the microbial resilience of alpine food production systems, 2) Alpine slurry: sustainable manure management, and 3) vector-borne infections in the Alpine region—to tackle challenges tailored specifically to the ecological, agricultural, and socio-economic conditions of the Alpine region. By establishing a real-time, interoperable surveillance and response system, the initiative generates sustainable, innovative solutions to curb AMR, prevent foodborne risks, and foster resilient Alpine communities.

As a PhD researcher in the OHASIS network, you will be based at one of our partner universities while collaborating across disciplines to solve complex, real-world problems within the three interconnected clusters.

• Focus Areas: Alpine Wellbeing, Innovative Ecosystems, Sustainable Microbiology, and Resistance Surveillance.
  By combining microbial genomic surveillance, microbiome and anti-microbial resistance (AMR) analyses, ecological modelling, and local knowledge, the cluster aims to identify microbial diversity and anti-biotic resistance genes (ARGs), transmission pathways, stress-induced tipping points, and resilience mechanisms in traditional alpine production systems. The three PhD projects are tightly linked and draw from a common longitudinal collection of ~500 samples across four seasons (1–2 years). Samples are collected from alpine pastures with on-site cheese production and valley-based dairies in Tyrol and South Tyrol.
   
• C1.1 Microbial Resilience and Tipping Points in Alpine Food Systems: Linking Environmental Change, Food Safety, and Tradition
  (Host Institution: Vetmeduni, Austria; PI: Prof. Evelyne Selberherr)
  
  Scope: Microorganisms form a critical interface within alpine food systems, linking animals, humans, food products, and the environment. Climate change, stressors and changing farming practices increasingly threaten the stability of these microbial networks, while the emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance further complicate food safety and One health challenges. This PhD project investigates microbial resilience using innovative longitudinal omics, microbiome analyses, AMR surveillance, and ecological modelling to identify transmission pathways, resilience markers, and microbiological tipping points. The project will generate evidence-based, innovative strategies to improve food safety, sustainability, and the long-term resilience of traditional alpine production systems. 
  
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• C1.2 Integrated Genomic Surveillance: Transmission Along the Animal–Food–Environment Chain
  (Host Institution: Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria; PI: Prof. Werner Ruppitsch)
  
  Scope:  The alpine agro-food system represents a complex socio-ecological interface where humans, livestock, food products, manure, and environmental vectors interact continuously. This interconnectedness creates conditions for the circulation of both pathogenic microorganisms and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants across traditionally isolated niches. Despite growing awareness of this challenge, high-resolution genomic data that trace microbial flow from farm to fork and back to the environment remain scarce in alpine contexts. Using classical microbiology and whole genome sequencing (WGS) technologies, the overarching aim of this project is to generate a comprehensive genomic picture of how microbial traits – including virulence factors, AMR genes, and beneficial functional properties – circulate and evolve along the alpine production chain (animal - food/feed - human - environment).
  
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• C1.3 The Alpine Mycobiome: Mapping Fungal Diversity, Antifungal Resistance Reservoirs, and Resilience Mechanisms
  (Host Institution: Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria; PI: Prof. Michaela Lackner)
  
  Scope: Fungal pathogens and antifungal resistance (AFR) are emerging One Health threats across food, animals, humans, and the environment. This PhD project investigates AFR in alpine production systems by identifying resistance reservoirs, molecular mechanisms, and transmission pathways across dairy value chains. Using longitudinal sampling, genomic analyses, and innovative ecological modelling, it will generate risk maps, surveillance tools, and evidence-based recommendations to strengthen food safety, HACCP implementation, and innovative One Health surveillance in Alpine ecosystems. 
  
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• Focus Area: Evidence for Sustainable Slurry Management in Tyrol and South Tyrol.
  Alpine Slurry is a coordinated, interdisciplinary cluster to generate evidence for sustainable slurry management in Tyrol and South Tyrol under a One Health framework. Motivated by large and growing slurry inputs to alpine landscapes, the projects will quantify ecosystem, water, climate, and health implications and derive practical, policy‑relevant guidance.
   
• C2.1 Alpine Slurry: Nutrients, Nature and One Health Impact of Cattle Slurry
  (Host Institution: Vetmeduni, Austria; PI: Prof. Lorenz Khol)
  
  Scope: This project examines how slurry applications affect alpine ecosystems, water quality, and health. We compare managed and unmanaged alpine meadows, track the transport of nutrients and microbes into water, and assess potential risks for livestock, wildlife, and humans from pathogens and veterinary residues using innovative monitoring technologies. 
  
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• C2.2 Alpine Slurry: Circular Nutrient Management with Biogas-Derived Fertilizers
  (Host Institution: Free University Bozen – Bolzano, Italy; PI: Prof. Tanja Mimmo)
  
  Scope: This project looks at how processed slurry-derived products from local biogas plants can be used in an innovative, safer, and more sustainable way in alpine agriculture. We will evaluate their effects on soil and plant health, and environmental quality. These innovative products will be considered in comparison with conventional slurry and other fertilisation strategies, with particular attention to soil chemical, physical, and biological indicators in line with the new EU Soil Monitoring Law. 
   
• C2.3 Alpine Slurry: Regional Feed Additives and Breeding Programs to Curb Methane Emissions in Cattle
  (Host Institution: Free University Bozen – Bolzano, Italy; PI: Prof. Thomas Zanon)
  
  Scope: This project addresses a central and innovative research field within the context of European climate and agricultural policy: the reduction of enteric methane emissions in alpine dairy farming. It targets enteric methane mitigation in alpine dairy systems by evaluating regionally sourced feed additives and ration strategies, and by establishing phenotypic testing of methane emissions to enable breeding values and selection within local dual‑purpose breeds. Combining field trials, monitoring, laboratory analyses, and modeling, the program will deliver quantitative evidence on nutrient losses and gaseous emissions, pathogen and residue pathways, soil and biodiversity responses, and feasible mitigation strategies, supporting circular nutrient management, climate goals, and resilient alpine agroecosystems. By acquiring an innovative GreenFeed measurement system, the project will be able to scientifically evaluate emission‑reducing feeding and breeding strategies under real‑world alpine conditions. 

• Focus Area: Multilevel Analysis of Vector-Borne Infections in the Alpine Region.
  Vector-borne pathogens pose an increasing threat to human, animal, and plant health, particularly in Alpine environments where climate change, land-use dynamics, biodiversity shifts, and biological invasions are reshaping host–vector–pathogen interactions. This interdisciplinary One Health cluster aims to establish an integrated research platform for the surveillance, characterization, and sustainable control of vector-borne diseases across interconnected ecosystems. By combining molecular, genomic, ecological and participatory approaches, the cluster will investigate pathogen prevalence, diversity, transmission pathways, and environmental drivers of disease emergence and persistence in medical, veterinary, and plant systems. Specifically, the cluster addresses three complementary research themes: (1) characterizing bacterial and viral vector-borne infections in alpine wildlife, domestic animals, vectors, and humans; (2) assessing Wolbachia-based interference strategies to reduce phytoplasma transmission by psyllids in plants; and (3) developing citizen science–supported xeno-surveillance of biting Diptera and their pathogens in Austria. Together, these projects will provide spatially and ecologically resolved data on pathogen circulation, identify key transmission risk factors, and support predictive and preventive strategies for emerging vector-borne diseases. 
   
• C3.1 Vector-Borne Diseases in the Alpine Region – Epidemiology, Transmission, Reservoirs and Disease Burden
  (Host Institution: Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria; PI: Prof. Günter Weiss)
  
  Scope: The aim of this project is to provide a comprehensive overview on transmission cycles of vector-borne infections in the Alpine region as a function of altitude, animal reservoirs, vectors, host susceptibility patterns, and seroprevalence, along with an analysis of spreading dynamics and associated factors. It will focus on analysis and detection of bacterial and viral pathogens by serological and PCR techniques in vectors, wildlife and domestic animal samples and in healthy and infected humans. This holistic approach will help to map pathogen distribution among vectors, wildlife, domestic animals and humans as a function of region, altitude and time, along with definition of transmission cycles of specific pathogens, disease manifestation index, risk factors for pathogen spread, and transmission.  
  
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• C3.2 Vectors, Plant Pathogens, and Biological Control in Plant Protection
  (Host Institution: Free University Bozen – Bolzano, Italy; PI: Prof. Hannes Schuler)
  
  Scope: This project investigates whether Wolbachia, a naturally occurring bacterium found in many insects, can be used as an innovative tool to block the transmission of plant diseases, using phytoplasmas and psyllids as a study system. The project integrates artificial transmission experiments in the laboratory and semi-field experiments, studying Wolbachia and pathogen interaction using innovative molecular genetic and genomic approaches. The project offers an innovative, environmentally friendly strategy for crop protection and serves as a model for managing other insect-borne diseases. 
   
• C3.3. Citizen Science Meets One Health: Molecular Surveillance of Biting Flies (Diptera) to Guard Austria against Emerging Vector-Borne Diseases
  (Host Institution: Vetmeduni, Austria; PI: Prof. Clair Firth)
  
  Scope: An innovative, citizen science–based surveillance system will be developed to monitor biting insects (Diptera) and their pathogens in Austria, addressing the growing risk of vector-borne diseases under climate and land-use change. By combining farmer-collected samples with standard trapping methods and molecular analyses (PCR and sequencing), the project compares sampling approaches and links vector diversity and infection patterns to environmental factors. The resulting altitude-stratified atlas and participatory early-warning framework aim to strengthen innovative One Health collaboration and improve preparedness for emerging diseases such as West Nile, Bluetongue, and Lumpy Skin Disease.
  
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What We Offer:

• Employment: A three-year, fully funded PhD position, in accordance with the guidelines and salary scales of the employing university. An optional extension is possible under certain conditions.
• Interuniversity Collaboration: While doctoral positions are hosted by the respective partner institutions, all research projects and training courses are closely linked and networked with the University of Innsbruck.
• Research Environment: Full access to state-of-the-art laboratories, field stations, and innovative research tools across four renowned universities.
• Targeted Academic Modules: All teaching modules are strictly focused on One Health topics with a strong emphasis on leading edge innovation approaches.
• Core Curriculum: Courses typically center on zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, food microbiology and safety, and ecosystem health.
• Competency Development: The program explicitly emphasizes systemic thinking/problem-solving, comprehensive risk analysis, collaborative communication, and fostering futures skills and innovation mindsets.
• Institutional & Stakeholder Integration: Active interaction and collaboration with AGES (Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety), as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), is deeply integrated into the curriculum to bridge the gap between academic innovation and public health/food safety governance.
• International Mobility: Student mobility, cross-border research, and institutional exchange are actively fostered and supported throughout the program to stimulate international research innovations.
• Mobility & Networking: Funded research stays, close interaction with AGES, NGO networking, and active exchange opportunities between Vienna, Innsbruck, and Bozen-Bolzano to drive collaborative innovation.
• Transferable Skills: Joint course offerings covering scientific writing, data analysis, systemic problem-solving, leading edge innovation approaches, and interdisciplinary communication, co-taught by PIs and experts from all four participating universities.

Application Requirements:

• A successfully completed Diploma or Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biology, veterinary medicine, human medicine, biotechnology, environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, or a closely related discipline.
• A strong interest in the interdisciplinary One Health approach and scientific innovation.
• Excellent English skills, both written and spoken (the working language of the program is English).
• German language proficiency at B2 level is required for some specific field-study projects which are done in collaborations with regional partners.
• Applicants must meet the doctoral admission requirements of the recruiting host institution.
• Strong teamwork skills, creativity, and a readiness to cooperate closely within the innovative network of the four partner universities.

Procedere:

The selection process has two phases: a first curricular phase and a second online panel interview phase for short-listed candidates. Details about the interview phase will be made available to the short-listed candidates by the evaluation committee.

On-line interviews:

Cluster 1: tba
Cluster 2: tba
Cluster 3: tba          

Required documentation:

Please submit your application in English, including the following documents:

1. Letter of Motivation (specifying your preferred research cluster, project, and your interest in innovation).
2. Applicant´s ideas for a project outline (one page) of the project you wish to apply for. Each candidate may apply for a maximum of 2 different projects that are more suitable for their profile.
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV) including a list of publications or innovative projects (if applicable).
4. Academic Certificates and official transcripts of records (Bachelor's and Diploma/Master's degrees).
5. Certificates for the Proof of Language Proficiency (fluent English, if not clearly evident from your CV; please note that German B2 level is required for projects run by the Vetmeduni; please consult webpage for further information on which proofs are accepted).
6. Contact details of two academic references (included the academic mentor). 

Applications must be submitted by August 15, 2026 to: 

• Vetmeduni: Jobs
• Career at Medical University of Innsbruck

Candidates interested in projects at Free University of Bozen-Bolzano must submit their application at the official platform within August 27, 2026 (by noon local time)

• PhD Programmes / Free University of Bozen-Bolzano
   

For questions regarding the content, please contact:

• Medical University of Innsbruck: Prof. Michaela Lackner Michaela.Lackner@i-med.ac.at
• University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni): Prof. Johannes Lorenz Khol Joahnnes.Khol@vetmeduni.ac.at
• Free University of Bozen-Bolzano: Prof. Hannes Schuler Hannes.Schuler@unibz.it