University Assistant postdoctoral

At the University of Vienna almost 11,000 personalities work together towards answering the big questions of the future. Around 7,700 of them do research and teaching, around 3,000 work in administration and organisation.

Faculty: 51 Faculty of Physics

Job vacancy starting: 01.11.2026 | Working hours: 40.00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc)

Limited contract until: 30.09.2030

Job ID: 6224

About the position

How far can we push matter-wave interference with metal clusters? How can we use quantum interference for novel measurements of nanoparticle properties? Do we understand decoherence on the nanoparticle scale? Such questions and their implications for the foundations of physics are the driving force behind our research. You will be part of our team and develop new ideas, technologies and experiments to push the limits of macroscopicity in quantum physics.

Your personal sphere of play

As a University Assistant Postdoc, you will be part of the research group Molecular Quantum Optics & Quantum Nanophysics led by Prof. Arndt, exploring quantum phenomena using a world-wide unique research platform, namely cluster interferometry. The main research activities of the group include universal matter-wave interferometry with organic and biological molecules as well as metal clusters and dielectric nanoparticles. The team uses them to study fundamental questions in physics and to explore novel quantum technologies, specifically force measurements on the 1e-26 N level and below.

The team is part of the Quantum Science group at the Faculty of Physics, the Vienna Center for Quantum Science and Technology and the Austrian Cluster of Excellence.

Your future tasks

Active participation in research, teaching and administration, which means:

• You build up an independent research profile in the field of matter-wave interferometry with nanoparticles.
• You are involved in research projects and scientific studies in the area of mesoscopic quantum science and metrology.
• You publish internationally and give lectures.
• You apply for projects and raise third-party funds.
• You hold courses within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
• You co-supervise students.
• You participate in evaluation measures and in quality assurance.
• You take on administrative tasks in research, teaching and administration.

This is part of your personality

• You have completed your doctoral or PhD studies in experimental quantum physics, in particular with expertise in matter-wave sciences in ultrahigh vacuum environments and the coherent optical manipulation of metals nanoparticles.
• You have completed an outstanding dissertation that has resulted in internationally visible publications in high-impact peer-reviewed media in experimental quantum optics.
• You have experience in research management and in leading project staff.
• You should have experience in teaching.
• You have excellent laboratory skills involving vacuum physics, laser physics, quantum optics tools, lab software and data acquisition, cluster physics and mass spectrometry.
• Experimental experience with macroscopic quantum phenomena, specifically matter-wave interferometry and AMO physics, is a significant advantage.
• You have excellent command of written and spoken English.
• You are a team player and have high social and communicative skills.

What we offer

Work-life balance: Flexible working hours, remote/hybrid and/or part-time work upon agreement.

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment.

Good public transport connections: Your workplace in the center of Vienna is easily accessible by public transport.

Internal further training and coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis, with over 600 courses to choose from free of charge.

Fixed-term contract and fair salary: The basic salary is EUR 5.014,30, paid 14 times a year, for a period of 47 months or maximum until 30.09.2030, with increases possible if professional experience can be credited.

Get off to a great start: The Welcome Compass helps you settle into your new role at the University of Vienna and life in Vienna.

It is that easy to apply

• Scientific curriculum vitae or letter of intent
• List of publications
• Summary of research interests, maximum one page
• Doctoral degree
• Contact details of persons who could provide reference letters
• Application via the job portal and Apply now button

Contact

If you have any content questions, please contact Markus Arndt at markus.arndt@univie.ac.at.

Application deadline: 02.10.2026