Dr.med.univ. Dr.scient.med. Maximilian Mair
Department of Medicine I
Internal Medicine
Position: Postdoctoral Researcher, Resident
Research focus: Neuro-Oncology, Cancer Research
Group size: 5
Contact: maximilian.mair@meduniwien.ac.at
What I offer
Experiences from my academic journey as young physician-scientist
- What makes the PhD an enriching part of medical training and how to get the most out of it
- How to make use of mentorship beyond the official supervisor relationship
- Building academic networks - locally, nationally, and internationally - and how to become involved in scientific communities
Insights into combining clinical work and research
- How to manage the dual role as clinician and researcher, including time management and prioritization
- Strategies to maintain continuity in projects while working in a demanding clinical environment
Perspectives on academic career development
- Insights into the academic career path at the Medical University of Vienna: which steps, structures, and opportunities do exist?
- What can a career as a clinician-scientist look like, with opportunities and challenges at different stages?
- Early steps in shaping a scientific profile (abstracts, conferences, publications, grants, working in committees)
- The importance of collaboration and resilience in clinical research
What I expect from the students
Motivation, openness, and critical curiosity. I value reliability and independence, but also the courage to ask questions and to share challenges honestly.
Time constraints for meetings
Meetings will take place about once a month (overall approximately 6-8 meetings, 1.5 hours each, planning via email or Doodle), depending on availability. Preferably in person at MedUni Wien/AKH, but also possible virtually/hybrid format if someone is unable to join.
What else I would like to say
Since my medical studies when pursing my diploma thesis in a basic science lab, I have been fascinated by combining clinical work with research. During my PhD in Clinical Neurosciences, I focused on translational and immunological aspects of gliomas and also became increasingly involved in international collaborations and networks.
Today, as a young postdoc and physician in oncology, I continue to work at the interface of clinic and science. This path can be deeply rewarding, but also challenging - especially when balancing research, clinical work, teaching, and personal life. Mentorship and good role models have been invaluable to me, and I am glad to now share my experiences with PhD students who are starting their own careers.