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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. We are looking for a/an

University assistant predoctoral/PhD Candidate

51 Faculty of Physics

Job vacancy starting: 10/01/2026 | Working hours: 30,00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)

Limited contract until: 09/30/2030

Job ID: 6029

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. Our group is working on experiments at the interface between quantum and classical physics as well as between quantum and bio-molecular science. We develop 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.

We work on novel tools for quantum sensing, mass spectrometry and biomolecular chemistry.
Our team is member of the Austrian Cluster of Excellence (qAustria), of the Vienna Doctoral School in Physics (VDSP), of the Vienna Center for Quantum Science and Technology (VCQ) and of the faculty research group on Quantum Science. You will be part of a thriving community with more than 100 quantum scientists on premise, about 300 in Vienna and more than 600 quantum researchers across Austria.
The QNP team unites a team of 15 -17 scientists (Master student, PhD student, postdoc, senior scientist), currently of six different nations, which are inspired by working together on solving technical challenges to advance fundamental questions of quantum science. Together we have a unique skill set and knowledge base in quantum interferometry, molecular science, opto-mechanics, quantum sensing, particle beam methods, laser technology, physical chemistry. Working with us means learning something new every day.

You will be affiliated with the research project V-QUTE, where we will push the limits of matter-wave interferometry with nanoparticles. This comprises the development of new sources for very cold particles with high phase space density and loading rate, quantum coherent beam splitters, advanced detectors in a mass range that is challenging for both mass spectrometers and optical detectors, the design and realization of a new matter-wave interferometer design that matches the particular requirements of very massive particles, the application of specialized ultraviolet laser systems and more. Our dream is to push the limits of quantum superposition/macroscopicity by 4-6 orders of magnitude over the state of the art. The experiment will be prepared in the established premises and moved to a new laboratory in 2027.

Your future tasks:
You will actively participate in research, teaching & science self-administration. This means:

• You are involved in a specific research project, currently designated as V-QUTE, where we aim at pushing the mass limits of matter-wave interferometry and macroscopicity in quantum physics.
• You will present your research plan to the faculty and complete a dissertation agreement within 12-18 months. This will be reviewed and adapted on an annual basis.
• You will work on your dissertation and aim at a completion in 4 years. We expect a high degree of independence paired with a high level of social competence to be successful in the team.
• You will contribute to teaching (lab courses, exercise classes) within the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
• You will fill some administrative tasks, contributing to the success and self-organization of the group 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, or hold an equivalent qualification that allows enrollment as a PhD student at the University of Vienna by that date.
• This experiment requires high experimental skills from planning to implementation to data acquisition and processing.
• You must have extended hands-on experience in at least two of the following areas:
• molecular beam sources,
• (cryogenic) ultra-high-vacuum systems,
• nanoparticle cooling,
• cluster science,
• 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 - please document them in your application.

• 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 (full-time basis, 14x p.a.), increases if we can credit professional experience. The employment duration is 4 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 4 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a non-extension declaration.
Equal opportunities for everyone: We look forward to diverse personalities in the team!

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 research interests for the future. Tell us what you dream about, scientifically.
• Motivation Letter written by yourself: In one page, please describe which of our recent publications (see www.quantumnano.at) you find most relevant to your skills, and what technical and scientific contribution you would add.
• A summary of your previous academic and research achievements. Tell us what you’re proud of.
• Note, that while a Master’s degree is the usual legal prerequisite for a PhD position at the University of Vienna, we consider candidates coming from a structured four-year Bachelors program too.

If you have any content questions, please contact:
Markus Arndt

markus.arndt@univie.ac.at

We look forward to new personalities in our team!
The University of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance to equal opportunities, the advancement of women and diversity. We place particular emphasis on enhancing women’s representation among the academic and general university staff, particularly in leadership roles, and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.

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Application deadline: 08/31/2026