Why CeMM?

Collaborative Work Environment

At CeMM, researchers thrive in a truly supportive and non-hierarchical environment. In our institute, medical doctors, biologists, chemists, engineers, physicists, and mathematicians work side by side, fostering collaboration on a collegial, first-name basis.

CeMM scientists are deeply embedded in a strong collaborative research culture, where the exchange of knowledge and expertise across disciplines is part of everyday work. This dynamic environment leads to frequent co-publishing among research groups, driving innovative discoveries in molecular medicine.

In addition to its internal collaboration, CeMM maintains outstanding partnerships with the Vienna research community and leading clinicians at the Vienna General Hospital. CeMM also boasts an extensive network of international research collaborations, enhancing its global impact in biomedical science.

Discover more about how CeMM is advancing medical research through interdisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge innovation.

International and Diverse

The official working language at CeMM is English, supporting a truly international environment with over 49 different nationalities represented across the institute.

CeMM is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where scientists from diverse cultural backgrounds feel valued and supported. We believe that diversity in research teams drives innovation, fosters creativity, and strengthens successful collaborations across disciplines.

Learn more about CeMM's commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.

Employee Benefits

CeMM employees enjoy comprehensive benefits designed to support their professional and personal well-being. In line with Austrian employment law, all CeMM employees receive 25 days of annual leave per year, in addition to a generous number of public holidays.

All scientific staff are compensated according to the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) salary scale, ensuring competitive and transparent pay. Every CeMM employee is covered by statutory health insurance in Austria, which includes free medical treatment by physicians and hospitals, along with subsidized prescription fees. Partners and children of employees are also eligible for co-insurance coverage.

To support international talent, CeMM offers a relocation allowance for all new employees moving to Vienna from abroad. Additionally, newcomers can apply for up to six months of subsidized accommodation, including larger apartments suitable for couples and families.

Vienna is a family-friendly city, offering many kindergartens and schools, most of which are either free or subsidized. To further ease the transition, CeMM provides free German language classes on-site, taught by professional trainers at multiple levels.

Health and Wellbeing

Building a truly supportive and respectful workplace culture, CeMM places a strong emphasis on the health, wellbeing, and professional development of its employees. The institute nurtures not only physical and mental health but also fosters a positive, collegial work environment where social and interpersonal relationships thrive.

To encourage both scientific and personal growth, CeMM organizes regular lab meetings and weekly seminars, which are integral to every scientist’s experience. Celebrating major achievements together strengthens the CeMM community and motivates continued innovation.

Employee health and safety are further supported by a dedicated company physician, offering monthly consultation hours for workplace organization, medical advice, prescriptions, and vaccinations.

Mental health support is a key priority: CeMM provides free, confidential psychological counseling for all employees. Sessions can be attended during monthly on-site consultations or arranged individually, ensuring accessibility and discretion.

Family-Friendly Workplace

CeMM actively supports employees relocating to Vienna by offering a comprehensive relocation package. New international staff members receive a relocation allowance and have the opportunity to apply for up to six months of subsidized accommodation, with options available for couples and families.

To assist employees with young children, CeMM’s HR Department provides help in finding nursery placements. In accordance with Austrian employment law, employees are entitled to up to 10 working days of paid nursing leave per year to care for family members when necessary.

Work-life balance is a key part of CeMM’s culture, with meetings typically scheduled during standard working hours.

Family Support for Newcomers at CeMM

Relocating to Vienna with your family can be an exciting yet challenging experience — especially when navigating schools, kindergartens, and local bureaucratic processes. Even in a city as family-friendly as Vienna, finding the right information for young parents can sometimes feel overwhelming.

To make the transition easier, CeMM offers dedicated family champions who are ready to assist and support new employees and their families. Whether it is helping you understand school options, securing a nursery place, or navigating administrative procedures, our family champions are here to guide you through the various tasks and challenges that may arise.

Family Support Contact at CeMM

If you need any assistance, please contact:

Danica Drpic
Project Scientist, Postdoc Representative
Email: ddrpic[at]cemm.oeaw.ac.at

Thomas Krausgruber
Senior Postdoctoral Fellow
Email: tkrausgruber[at]cemm.oeaw.ac.at

They can offer support with:

• Finding schools and kindergartens
• Providing babysitter advice
• Offering tips on family-friendly locations in Vienna
• Suggesting social activities

Dual Career Support

To support the successful relocation of international talent, CeMM is proud to be a member of the Dual Career Service Support network of the Vienna Science and Technology Fund (WWTF). We are committed to assisting new CeMM employees and their families by helping their partners with the job search process in Vienna.

Through our active participation in the dual career support network, CeMM maintains strong connections with the scientific community — primarily in research and administrative positions — as well as with opportunities in industry, local government, and other sectors.

By providing tailored support for dual career couples, CeMM ensures a smoother, more successful transition for families relocating to Vienna.

Relocation Support

The CeMM HR Department is dedicated to making the transition to Vienna as smooth as possible for new employees and their families. We offer a range of relocation support services to ensure a successful and stress-free start:

• Guest apartment arrangements: CeMM can organize subsidized guest apartments for the first six months in Vienna, including accommodations suitable for families.
• Visa and registration support: We assist with visa applications, residency registration, and navigating the necessary paperwork to settle in Vienna legally and smoothly.
• Health insurance and family financial support: New employees are automatically registered with the ÖGK (Austrian Health Insurance Fund). CeMM also helps with the application process for financial family benefits available in Austria.
• In-house German language courses: To support integration, CeMM offers free German courses on-site, tailored to different proficiency levels and taught by professional trainers.

By offering comprehensive relocation and integration support, CeMM helps international researchers and their families feel at home in Vienna from day one.

Community and Social Life

A vibrant and diverse community is at the heart of CeMM. Beyond cutting-edge research, our institute fosters an active social life that strengthens connections and promotes a healthy work-life balance for all employees.

The annual social calendar is packed with exciting events, including outings, retreats, festive Christmas and Halloween parties, an international food festival, participation in the Vienna City Marathon relay, and a football tournament with Vienna’s broader scientific community.

CeMM employees can also join various social groups, such as crafting, running, and climbing, with regular yoga classes conveniently held on-site.

Adding to the sense of community, the CeMM cafeteria, located on the top floor of the building, offers staff a welcoming space to meet, relax, and enjoy coffee or lunch — all with a stunning panoramic view of Vienna’s skyline.