University assistant predoctoral/PhD Candidate

University assistant predoctoral/PhD Candidate

At the University of Vienna almost 11,000 personalities work together towards answering the big questions of the future. We are looking for a University assistant predoctoral/PhD Candidate at the Faculty of Physics.

Job vacancy starting: 01.10.2026 | Working hours: 30.00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc). Limited contract until: 30.09.2030. Job ID: 5941.

Are you passionate about science and the life of an experimental scientist? Do you want to shift the boundaries of scientific knowledge? Are you technically skilled around real-world laboratory experiments, and a genuine team player? Then consider joining the Quantum Nanophysics team.

Your personal sphere of influence:

As a university assistant (praedoc) on this 4-year position, you will be part of the Quantum Nanophysics Team (QNP) around Prof. Markus Arndt. The group works on experiments at the interface between quantum and classical physics as well as between quantum and bio-molecular science. It develops universal matter-wave interferometry in the limit of high mass and high complexity, from organic molecules to metal clusters and dielectric nanoparticles, from molecular beams to levitated optomechanics.

You will be affiliated with the research project Q4-BIO, where a new field of research around quantum tools for and quantum physics with neutral biomolecules is opened. This comprises the development of new cold beam sources, quantum detectors, quantum coherent beam splitters, explorations of spin physics and quantum delocalization in complex molecules. The experiment will move into a dedicated new laboratory in 2027.

Your future tasks:

• You are involved in a specific research project, here Q4-BIO.
• You will present your research plan to the faculty and complete a dissertation agreement within 12-18 months.
• You will work on your dissertation and aim at completion in 4 years.
• You will contribute to teaching, including lab courses and exercise classes, within the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
• You will contribute administrative tasks for research, teaching and administration.
• You will continuously stay informed about the state of the art in your field.
• You contribute to outreach by publications, conference presentations and public activities.

This is part of your personality:

You must have completed your Master's degree or Diploma in physics before you start your position at the University of Vienna, or hold an equivalent qualification that allows enrollment as a PhD student at the University of Vienna by that date.

You must have extended hands-on experience in at least two of the following areas:

• molecular beam sources
• (cryogenic) ultra-high-vacuum systems
• superconducting nanowire detectors
• advanced optics, laser systems and frequency conversion
• mass spectrometry or matter-wave research

Demonstrable experimental design, construction and troubleshooting skills in the laboratory are essential. You must have an excellent command of written and spoken English.

What we offer:

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment. Potential for development: If you are ambitious and successful, there are opportunities to connect with top research groups in the world. Internal further training & coaching: The Vienna Doctoral School as well as the department of human resources offer opportunities to grow your skills in hundreds of courses free of charge. Fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 3.776,10 (40h p.w., 14x p.a.) increases if professional experience can be credited.

It is that easy to apply:

Please send the following documents in English as a single PDF file: your scientific curriculum vitae, a short statement on your future research interests, a motivation letter, and a summary of your previous academic and research achievements. For recent publications see www.quantumnano.at.

If you have any content questions, please contact:

Markus Arndt: markus.arndt@univie.ac.at

Application deadline: 11.08.2026