Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy
The Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy is one of the most diverse faculties at the University of Vienna. We cover all aspects of space and geosciences and explore how Earth’s environment and human societies interact. With 480 staff members - including 29 professorships and 12 tenure-track professorships - we are grouped around four thematic areas: “Cosmos”, “Earth”, “Environment”, and “Anthroposphere”. In 5 bachelor programmes, 8 master programmes, and 7 fields of doctoral studies our 4,700 students receive a thorough and hands-on education. Our Faculty hosts an active Gender and Diversity team and is committed to increase the number of women in scientific positions.
As a postdoc, you will join one of our seven international departments and will have access to our state-of-the-art core facilities, research infrastructure and support services. We are looking forward to welcoming you at our Faculty.
Departments/Research Focus
João Alves
Research Focus
João Alves is a professor of stellar astrophysics at the University of Vienna. His research focuses on the structure and dynamics of the interstellar medium and how gas and dust organize into large molecular clouds. He studies how these clouds evolve, fragment and collapse to form stars and planetary systems. A major part of his work uses three-dimensional maps of the Solar neighbourhood to track the motion of gas and young stars, helping to identify large coherent structures such as filaments and superclouds. He also investigates how feedback from young stars shapes their environment and how local Galactic conditions influence the formation of future generations of stars.
Research environment
Prof. Alves group has allocated research offices at the University Observatory (Sternwarte). Researchers have access to ESO and ESA observatories (Austria is a member country) as well to all custom made software developed in the group (e.g., the latest version of SigMA), and to high-performance computing facilities at the University of Vienna. The group is involved in several large observational surveys, both ground-based and space-based, in particular Gaia DR4. The group work often combines data from multiple wavelengths, from the near-infrared to X-rays, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the interstellar medium and star formation processes.
Expectations towards postdoctoral fellows in this programme
A postdoc in the Alves research group is expected to conduct independent research on the interstellar medium and star formation, with a strong focus on observational data and quantitative analysis. The position involves leading projects that use large surveys, three-dimensional mapping, and statistical methods to study gas, dust and young stellar populations. Postdocs are expected to publish in high-quality journals, present results at international meetings, and collaborate across the group's projects. They contribute to mentoring students, support proposal writing for major observing facilities, and help develop tools that improve the interpretation of Galactic structure and the physics of molecular clouds. The role offers scientific freedom but requires initiative, reliability, and an interest in advancing the group's broader goals in understanding how stars and planets form in the Milky Way.
Possible research themes or topics for postdoctoral projects
• Three-dimensional mapping of the local interstellar medium using multi-survey data
• Structure, dynamics and origin of large molecular filaments and superclouds
• Star formation efficiency and timescales in nearby molecular clouds
• Kinematics of young stellar populations and links to their birth environments
• Gas flow patterns in the Solar neighbourhood and their role in cloud formation
• Dust extinction and emission as tracers of cloud structure and evolution
• Statistical characterization of cloud morphology and fragmentation
• Feedback from young stars and its impact on surrounding gas
• Synthetic observations and forward modelling for comparison with survey data
• Machine-learning or Bayesian approaches to constrain ISM physical parameters
Weblink for further information:
www.joaoalves.org
Email: joao.alves(at)univie.ac.at
Alvaro Hacar
Research Focus
The selected E-STEEM PD fellow will join the Interstellar Medium Astrophysics (ISMA) group in Vienna (https://ism.univie.ac.at/). Our research focuses on the early stages of star formation, and physical and chemical structure and evolution of the ISM. Our group led several key publications on the study of filaments, low- and high-mass star formation, and astrochemistry (Hacar et al 2023, PP7). Our works were awarded with an ERC-StG project (https://emerge.univie.ac.at/).
The ISMA is the leading expertise group on radioastronomical observations in Vienna. We specialised on line and continuum observations using single-dish and interferometers. We also develop state-of-the-art observational techniques for data combination, archival research, and massive data processing. Our group leads and/or participates in different international collaborations including ALMA (EMERGE) and NOEMA (CASCADE) surveys star-forming regions, as well as surveys of porto-planetary disks (SODA survey).
Research environment
We offer a dynamic, stimulating, and collaborative research environment in astrophysics, designed to foster innovation and excellence. The selected E-STEEM PD fellow will join the ISMA group at the Department of Astrophysics (DoA). Our group is currently composed by 1x Prof., 1x PD, 2x PhDs, and 5 MSc students from diverse nationalities. Our activities include regular group meetings and discussions, plus individual mentoring.
The DoA (https://astro.univie.ac.at/) is the largest astronomy institute in Austria including >85 research members working on interdisciplinary frontline research, involving space missions (ESA) and telescope (ESO) development with a strong leadership in Austria. The selected PD will be supported by the DoA and benefit from its infrastructure (i.e. workspace, computers), including direct access to high-performance computes such as VSC5. DoA and Univie provide an ample set of training courses on career development, management, and teaching designed for PDs.
Expectations towards postdoctoral fellows in this programme
The E-STEEM PD is expected to lead their independent research line, focusing on the physical and chemical processes governing star formation in the ISM. The PD fellow should demonstrate expertise in analysing and interpreting radioastronomical observations and/or state-of-the-art simulations. Proficiency in computational techniques, data reduction software, and programming languages is essential. Collaboration with other international teams and publishing in high-impact journals are key responsibilities. Strong communication skills and the ability to present findings at conferences are also expected. The candidate is expected to actively contribute to the group activities and take organisational and supervision duties. The candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to the teaching activities at DoA. By the end of their contract, the E-STEEM PD is expected to apply to permanent positions in Academia, for which they will received support and advise.
Possible research themes or topics for postdoctoral projects
We look for an enthusiastic and independent PD fellow who can potentially lead their own research in one or multiple of the topics listed below:
- Low- and high-mass star formation
- Galactic and extragalactic observations
- Structure and evolution of Molecular clouds
- Formation and evolution of filaments, cores, and stars
- Physics and chemistry of the ISM
- State-of-the-art simulations
- Radioastronomical observations using both single-dish and interferometers
- Galactic surveys
- Novel methods, algorithms, and machine learning
Weblink for further information:
https://astro.univie.ac.at/en/
Email: alvaro.hacar(at)univie.ac.at
Oliver Hahn
Research Focus
The Data Science in Astrophysics & Cosmology Group tackles fundamental questions about the Universe's structure, dark matter, dark energy, inflation, as well as galaxy formation through computational, theoretical and data-driven approaches. Our group's research spans three broad areas: developing and running large-scale cosmological simulations to model structure formation from the early Universe to today; advancing the mathematical and computational frameworks underlying perturbation theory and simulation techniques; and applying machine learning to cosmological and astrophysical modelling, inference, and data analysis.
Our group welcomes researchers across the computational cosmology and astrophysics spectrum - from those developing novel numerical methods and theoretical frameworks to those applying simulations and AI to understand observational data from space missions or ground-based telescopes.
Research environment
Our group currently consists of 4 postdocs, 4 PhD students, as well as 7 associated MSc students. We have access to the Austrian VSC5 and MUSICA supercomputing facilities with state-of-the art GPU capabilities for simulations and machine learning applications. All members of the group regularly participate in our weekly group meetings to discuss ongoing research in the group, as well as our weekly journal club. Postdocs are typically supervising their own proposed MSc projects and contribute to the supervision of PhD students. In addition, the group self-organises various social activities to foster integration and group spirit. We also regularly host international guests jointly invited by the group members.
Expectations towards postdoctoral fellows in this programme
A postdoctoral researcher joining the group should have a clear vision for their own research agenda and be ready to create synergies and internal collaborations that benefit both their work and the group's broader research goals. In addition to carrying out their own research, we expect all group members to participate and contribute actively in the regular group activities (such as the group meeting and the journal club), as well as propose and supervise BSc and MSc research projects.
Possible research themes or topics for postdoctoral projects
We welcome all research topics that leverage or extend the group's strengths in simulations, theory, or data science. Topics might range from fundamental questions about e.g. dark matter and structure/galaxy formation to methodological advances in numerical techniques or AI applications. We especially encourage innovative projects that create new connections between observations, simulations, and theory.
Weblink for further information:
https://cosmology.univie.ac.at
Email: oliver.hahn(at)univie.ac.at
Anne Hutter
Research Focus
The Early Galaxies and Reionisation group investigates the formation and evolution of the first galaxies and their impact on the intergalactic medium during the Universe’s first billion years. We develop and apply theoretical models and simulations to interpret observations of early galaxies and their surrounding gas, and to predict how the James Webb Space Telescope and future galaxy and 21cm surveys can probe their properties and evolution. Central to our work is the semi-numerical Astraeus framework, which we develop and use to model galaxy formation, evolution, and the intergalactic medium, for interpreting observations and making predictions. Ongoing projects include advancing star-formation, gas, and chemical enrichment models, exploring variable stellar populations, improving 21cm signal modelling, and developing statistical tools to extract constraints from upcoming surveys.
Research environment
The Department of Astrophysics offers a supportive and well-connected research environment, including access to the Austrian Science Cluster. Our group is an active member of the Square Kilometre Array’s Epoch of Reionisation/Cosmic Dawn science working group, the Roman ROSES reionisation team, and several James Webb Space Telescope programs. We also participate in the Wide-field Spectroscopic Telescope’s extragalactic science team and maintain close ties with researchers within the Astraeus collaboration and at the Cosmic Dawn Center in Copenhagen. These collaborations foster dynamic exchanges across theory, simulation, and observation. Postdoctoral researchers will join an international network focused on early-Universe studies, with opportunities to collaborate broadly, contribute to major observational campaigns, and advance our state-of-the-art simulation framework.
Expectations towards postdoctoral fellows in this programme
We welcome researchers with strong expertise in one or more of the following areas: (1) galaxy formation, evolution, or reionisation modelling (semi-analytic or numerical); (2) massive stellar evolution to support detailed treatments of early stellar populations; or (3) statistical or machine learning methods for combining 21cm maps and galaxy surveys to constrain reionisation and the properties of the first galaxies. Applicants with depth in one area and interest in collaborating across others will integrate well into the group and have ample opportunity to shape their own research trajectory.
Weblink for further information:
https://astro.univie.ac.at/en/research/research-groups/hutter-early-galaxies-and-reionisation/
Email: anne.hutter(at)univie.ac.at
Kristina Kislyakova
Research Focus
The Solar System Evolution research group is a newly established group at the Department of Astrophysics, University of Vienna. The main research direction of this group consists of unraveling the evolutionary pathways of the solar system bodies, in particular Earth, Venus, and Mars, and determining the place of the Solar System within the larger family of exoplanets. We cannot understand exoplanets without looking back at the cradle of life as we know it - the Earth. Why did the Earth become a habitable planet? Why did Mars and Venus evolve differently? What would modern instruments see if they looked at the solar system planets as they were billions of years ago? Is the Earth unique, or can we expect to find multiple Earth-analogues among exoplanets? We focus on the evolution of small rocky planets, and are especially interested in planetary habitability. In our research, we combine sophisticated numerical tools and preparatory studies for cutting-edge future observational facilities.
Research environment
The Solar System Evolution group is currently supported by a large ERC consolidator grant, and in addition to the group leader Kristina Kislyakova also includes postdoctoral researchers Gwenaëlle Van Looveren and Evelyn Macdonald, and PhD students Louis Müller and Anuja Raorane. Researchers in the group are actively involved in teaching and student supervision and are currently supervising three undergraduate students. The group is a part of a vibrant collaboration of three groups doing (exo)planetary research at the Department, with the two other groups being the Exoplanetary Atmospheres and Star and Planet Formation groups. The group is very dynamic and welcoming to the new members, and the members are involved in the forefront planetary research, including participating in consortia for the new and existing missions, developing of sophisticated numerical codes, and outreach activities to advertise our research to the society.
Expectations towards postdoctoral fellows in this programme
We encourage scientists from all backgrounds to apply. We are looking for postdocs willing to collaborate with other members of the group and build their research in the areas adjacent and intervening with the existing research of the group. Specifically, we are interested in researches with background either in code development, or observations of exoplanets and their host stars (combining the two is of course also very welcome!). We encourage the applications from scientists willing to also lead their own research projects and bring in new exciting ideas in the areas of exoplanetology and stellar physics.
Possible research themes or topics for postdoctoral projects
Possible projects include:
1) The search for stellar winds. Stellar winds are extremely important drivers of atmospheric escape to space. Currently, no researcher in the group focuses on stellar winds, which is a research gap we would like to cover. In this project, the postdoc would use existing tools and methodology developed by the group and collaborators (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-024-02222-x) to estimate stellar mass-loss-rates. The project would include processing X-ray observations of XMM-Newton and possibly Chandra satellites, and modelling of the resulting stellar winds.
2) Modelling of the Earth's observations for the SMILE satellite, which will soon observe the Earth in the X-ray and UV wavelength ranges. This project would focus on the physical processes in the Earth's polar areas and their influence on the short-wavelength observational appearance of the Earth.
Weblink for further information:
https://astro.univie.ac.at/en/research/research-groups/kislyakova-solar-system-evolution/
Email: kristina.kislyakova(at)univie.ac.at
Tanja Rindler-Daller
Research Focus
Research areas of the mentor have been in cosmology, dark matter, gravitational dynamics with focus on galactic dynamics. We are interested to apply novel methods from geometrical/statistical mechanics and quantum (hydro) dynamics, especially to non-standard dark matter models and Bose-Einstein-condensed and quantum-coherent systems on astronomical scales. More details and references can be found on the website.
Research environment
The Dep.of Astrophysics of the University of Vienna is the largest of its kind in Austria, and one of the largest in the greater Central European area, with multiple collaborations within ESO and its facilities. The department has hosted national and international 3rd-party-funded projects, from small to big, and provides a vibrant and diverse research environment. Collaborations exist with the Mathematics and Physics Faculties of the University. The Erwin-Schrödinger Intern.Institute and other institutions in Vienna host workshops all year, from which the applicant can benefit. In-house collaboration and research overlap of the mentor at the DoA exist with the groups of Glenn van de Ven and Oliver Hahn. The mentor has longstanding collaborations with members of the Dep.of Astronomy of the Univ.of Texas, Austin, esp. with Katherine Freese and Paul R.Shapiro. Funds for travel to conferences are available.
Expectations towards postdoctoral fellows in this programme
Doctoral degree/PhD in Theoretical Astronomy/Astrophysics, or Theoretical Physics, or Applied Mathematics. The methodological focus can be tailored to the individual background of the applicant. Sound background and expertise in any two among the following subject areas are a strong asset: dynamical astronomy (broadly defined); dynamical systems and nonlinear dynamics; gravitational dynamics; quantum dynamics. About 30-40% of work time of the applicant can be devoted to their research interests, upon mutual agreement with the mentor.
Possible research themes or topics for postdoctoral projects
Possible research themes will be in the broad area of quantum wave/fuzzy/axion dark matter ("QDM" for short), e.g. investigate quantum and coarse-grained dynamics, vortices and turbulence, orbital dynamics in galactic QDM halos; perform quantum fluid and/or orbital-dynamical calculations; engage in devising new modelling schemes and new models to be compared with kinematic data of galaxies; analyze nonlinear dynamics, applying modern methods of geometrical mechanics; investigate orbital dynamics within QDM backgrounds in the vicinity of black holes; use solar-system gravity tests to constrain QDM physics. Both analytical/rigorous mathematical analysis and/or tailored simulation work to test theoretical models is possible. Open-source and in-house codes usually require Python or C knowledge. General motivation is two-fold: probing the nature of dark matter in novel ways and advancing our understanding of quantum dynamics in astronomical regimes, unattainable in the laboratory.
Weblink for further information:
https://homepage.univie.ac.at/tanja.rindler-daller/
Email: tanja.rindler-daller(at)univie.ac.at
Glenn van de Ven
Research Focus
Our research group (https://dynamics.univie.ac.at/) investigates the dynamical structure and evolution of stellar systems, from star clusters to massive galaxies. We aim to uncover their luminous and dark mass components — including central black holes and extended dark-matter haloes — and to reconstruct their formation histories through the “fossil record’’ imprinted in their stars. To do this, we build realistic dynamical models that jointly fit high-quality photometric and spectroscopic data, such as integral-field spectroscopy, resolved stellar motions, and (strong) gravitational lensing, and soon also gravitational-wave information. Our group also leads the development of DYNAMITE, an open, next-generation modelling framework that enables detailed recovery of orbital structures and provides powerful new insights into how galaxies assemble and evolve.
Research environment
We offer an inspiring and supportive working atmosphere with a dedicated team engaged in forefront research. Our research group is internationally well-connected, active in a wide range of collaborations, and equipped with solid funding resources; you will also receive strong support in developing your own funding portfolio. The Department of Astrophysics (https://astro.univie.ac.at/en/) provides a vibrant international environment, dedicated access to the Austrian Scientific Computing facility, and —through Austria’s membership in ESO and ESA— use of world-class observing facilities. Your workplace, the historic University Observatory, lies within the beautiful Observatory Park in lively Vienna, with excellent public transport. We offer flexible working hours, home-office options, and abundant opportunities for continuous skill development, including (free) training courses.
Expectations towards postdoctoral fellows in this programme
We look for motivated colleagues who are eager to engage in our research group and contribute as proactive, communicative team players. We want you to become an active “citizen’’ of the Department of Astrophysics (https://astro.univie.ac.at/en/). An excellent command of written and spoken English is essential. Candidates should hold a PhD in astronomy or astrophysics with strong programming skills, or in computer science/applied mathematics with a clear affinity for astrophysical research. We want you to help co-organize regular meetings, represent yourself and the group confidently in international scientific settings, and support the acquisition of third-party funding. Fellows are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities in student (co-)supervision, teaching, and science communication. We aim for you to conduct forefront research and advance your career in a mutually beneficially academic environment.
Possible research themes or topics for postdoctoral projects
Postdoctoral projects build on our group’s strength in combining stellar dynamics and populations with advanced dynamical modelling — especially through our orbit-based DYNAMITE software. You will benefit from strong links with nearby institutes and partners abroad, and from collaborations with mathematicians and data scientists. Opportunities also include upcoming gravitational-lensing and emerging gravitational-wave datasets. Broad project directions include:
• Dark-matter recovery in galaxies using multi-tracer kinematics
• Black-hole–galaxy co-evolution with integral-field spectroscopy data
• The origin of multiple stellar populations and discovery of intermediate-mass black holes in globular clusters
• Extragalactic archaeology: chemo-dynamical reconstruction of the accretion history of galaxies
• Innovative techniques for spectrophotometric data analysis and dynamical models l
Weblink for further information:
https://dynamics.univie.ac.at/
Email: glenn.vandeven(at)univie.ac.at
Bodo Ziegler
Research Focus
My group explores galaxy formation and evolution in different environments mainly via observations from cosmic dawn to today. We exploit optical and NIR photometry and spectroscopy to derive kinematic and stellar population properties.
Research environment
I am a board member of future telescope instrumentation projects like MOSAIC for the ELT and the planned WideField Spectroscopic Telescope.
Expectations towards postdoctoral fellows in this programme
We invite highly motivated postdocs with expert knowledge in any aspect of galaxy evolution. Expertise beyond our own working fields is very appreciated, too, like radio or X-ray based approaches.
Weblink for further information:
https://galaxy.univie.ac.at/
Email: bodo.ziegler(at)univie.ac.at
Stephan Glatzel
Research Focus
Research in the Geoecology group focuses on carbon cycling in wetlands, most notably peatlands. It involves monitoring the greenhouse gas exchange of wetlands, examining controls of allocation and decomposition and deriving emission factors. We map soils and plant species in mires to assess their ecological status and investigate processes of peat formation and degradation. Our applied research puts this understanding to use for deriving carbon dioxide compensation schemes, the assessment of ecosystem services and the development of adapted mire restoration strategies. Recent projects include the EU cofunded BioDiversa projects PRINCESS and ReVersal that examine paludicultures on fens and bog evolution and restoration trajectories as well the large Austrian mire conservation project LIFE AMooRe, in which our group examines the controls of greenhouse gas exchange and derives emission factors from differently managed peatlands.
Research environment
The research group consists of several University- and third party funded scientists, technicians and administrative staff. A large part of our research is based on our Long Term Wetland Ecological (LTWER) field stations in the reed belt of Lake Neusiedl and the Pürgschachen Bog in the Alps, where we operate Eddy Covariance towers that continuously determine the CO2 and CH4 exchange of the sites. Our laboratories are specialized for the determination of carbon liquid, gaseous and solid phase. Our newest instruments are isotopic greenhouse gas analyzers for the determination of C and N isotopes an H2O, CO2 and CH4. Our research strongly inter- and transdisciplinary. We cooperate with research institutions worldwide and in Europe as well as with national and regional administrative bodies and NGOs as well as the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar).
Expectations towards postdoctoral fellows in this programme
We are hoping that the postdoc is able to put the existing infrastructure and our research network to good use and who is able to connect with our team of postdocs and doctoral students. Due to our interdisciplinary orientation, the background of the postdoc may be from physics / meteorology / hydrology (in case the scientists aims at working with our eddy covariance towers), from soil science / biogeochemistry (in case of a focus on peat) or from vegetation ecology /paleontology (in case of a focus on plants and / or microfossils). Currently, our research group has members with environmental sciences, soil science, limnology, geography, and engineering backgrounds. In any case, we are looking for a scientist who regards diversity -also in scientific backgrounds- as an asset and who appreciates the value of wetlands.
Possible research themes or topics for postdoctoral projects
-Eddy covariance based analysis of greenhouse gas fluxes in mires
-Peat formation and decomposition
-Biogeochemistry of nitrous oxide release from mires
--Advancing carbon compensation schemes by peatland rewetting
Weblink for further information:
https://geographie.univie.ac.at/en/working-groups/geoecology/
Email: stephan.glatzel(at)univie.ac.at
Ourania Kounadi
Research Focus
The spectrum of our work ranges from “prediction” to “protection” on the topics of (a) location privacy and (b) spatial crime analysis. We examine the risk of re-identification & inference attacks, propose geoprivacy-by-design guidelines, and develop privacy protection methods. In crime analysis, our focus is on spatial crime forecasting and also understanding how crime and safety are perceived in the urban environment. Our current project investigates people’s perception of crime risk, which does not always coincide with the actual situation. We quantify the “gap” and provide levels of accuracy in space. The spatial components that may relate to and affect safety perception are analyzed in two urban areas in Austria and in Hungary to examine if perceptual findings are bound to cultural settings. Our technological tools are Sketch Mapping UI, which merges a traditional questionnaire approach with digital mental maps, and a GVA UI to visualize our findings interactively.
Research environment
The Digital Geography group is part of the Department of Geography and Regional Research in the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography, and Astronomy. Our work explores new means of conducting geographical research in the digital world. In this context, new is about (1) types of geodata, (2) forms of analysis, and (3) technologies. Within our institution our we collaborate with the working group of Spatial Data Science and Geocommunication and the working group of Urban Studies. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of our research, we have established successful international academic cooperations with Ghent University, Belgium (Department of Criminology, Criminal Law and Social Law), Obudai University, Hungary (Department of Geoinformatics), University College London (Department of Crime Science), and Louisiana State University (Department of Geography and Anthropology).
Expectations towards postdoctoral fellows in this programme
70% - Research & Reporting
- You will develop an independent research profile and conduct research projects in relation to the group’s research topics
- You will prepare manuscripts on your research findings and publish them in relevant scientific journals.
- You will participate in at least one national or international conference each year to present your research results.
- You will apply for third-party funding from national and/or international funding organizations.
25% - Teaching &supervision
- You will independently teach courses in the department of Geography and Regional Research.
- You will co-supervise BSc, MSc, and PhD students.
5% - Other tasks
- You will participate in evaluation measures and quality assurance.
- You will participate in academic self-governance (especially in research and teaching).
- You will support data management.
- You will participate in public relations work, such as press releases and presentations at public events
Possible research themes or topics for postdoctoral projects
1) Spatially Conscious Machine Learning
We are interested in engineering spatial features into ML models. These features represent spatial information extracted via various spatial statistical techniques that cannot be inherently captured by traditional ML models.
2) Spatial Crime Forecasting
Our focus is on short-term predictions in micro-geographies. In particular, we are investigating how open or publicly available sources of geo-information can help capture ambient population models that can either represent targets (i.e., crime victims) or guardians (i.e., mitigators of crime).
4) Location Privacy Protection Applications directed to Data Subjects
We are working on protection mechanisms that are designed to be used by the data subjects. Thus, increasing their awareness of location privacy as well as returning their control over the data they produce. This is in contrast to the mainstream research that offers solutions that can be “possibly” used by the data controllers.
Weblink for further information:
https://geographie.univie.ac.at/arbeitsgruppen/digital-geography/team/ourania-kounadi/
Email: ourania.kounadi(at)univie.ac.at
Ugur Öztürk
Research Focus
Among the most destructive socio-natural hazards, landslides are commonly studied as potential sources of hazard. Most advanced models even consider how societal urban feedbacks affect their occurrence. However, how past disasters shape our society is rarely questioned. The existing literature, which mainly studies post-disaster response in a few local cases, already identifies common ways of reacting. Within this postdoctoral research, we aim to investigate whether there are truly global, groupable patterns by which societies are shaped locally after a disaster. We ask which reactions are planned or coincidentally mitigatory and which should be avoided in the future. We will first select cities located partly on active landslides and examine how they have been evolving in light of landslide activity. Another angle is to focus on former disasters; for example, a famous landslide site in Medellin has become a monumental green space, so a follow-up landslide can no longer impact people.
Research environment
The Department of Geography and Regional Research is launching a research platform to retrospectively study recent complex socio-natural disasters, such as the September 2024 Central European floods, from physical and social perspectives. The platform aims to identify natural and societal root causes shaping such compound events. Alongside the platform, the ERC-funded UrbanSlide project models changes in the socio-natural hazard potential by accounting for societal mal/adaptation feedback.
The PostDoc will be hosted in the Geohazards group, provided with essential research infrastructure, and will closely collaborate with UrbanSlide personnel. They will also be integrated into the research platform, supporting its goals by analysing longitudinal surveys collected. Through this dual involvement, the PostDoc will contribute to uncovering the stages of societal post-disaster recovery and long-term response pathways, and to identifying whether disasters leave lasting societal impacts.
Expectations towards postdoctoral fellows in this programme
The Geohazards group primarily focuses on spatial modeling of geohazards in urban areas, with expertise on the physical aspects of socio-natural hazards. The PostDoc is expected to complement the modeling efforts by contributing social science perspectives, such as urban vulnerabilities, and assisting in enhancing the hazard models we develop. They will also strengthen ties with the Urban Studies group within our department. Externally, they will have the opportunity to collaborate with leading scientists on the subject from the University of Potsdam (Germany) and the Royal Museum for Central Africa (Belgium), both of which are close partners of our group. The PostDoc will have considerable autonomy to develop their own research agenda, receiving regular feedback on the ideation, implementation, and dissemination of their work. The Geohazards group will also support applications for individual or collaborative research grants to advance their career.
Possible research themes or topics for postdoctoral projects
Possible research themes for postdoctoral projects include:
- How do past disasters shape societal structures, urban planning, and long-term recovery pathways? Which societal responses to hazards are mitigatory, and which may have unintended negative consequences?
- Is there indigenous or local knowledge claimed to reduce socio-natural hazard impacts, and can such claims be systematically analyzed or modeled?
- How do societal feedbacks influence hazard potential over time, and can these dynamics be integrated into existing geohazard models?
Weblink for further information:
https://geographie.univie.ac.at/arbeitsgruppen/geogefahren/team/ugur-oeztuerk/
Email: ugur.oeztuerk(at)univie.ac.at
Dan Le Heron
Research Focus
Glacial geology and geomorphology, spanning work on modern glaciers in the Alps to deep time (Late Proterozoic, Late Ordovician, Late Palaeozoic, Pleistocene), with a global focus. We address topics and questions such as the following. The processes of sediment release and bedform generation at modern glaciers in the context of Anthropogenic change. Subglacial processes and products and reasons for their diferences across the full extent of geological time. The overarching questions "what is a typical glacial record, and how can we reconstruct ice dynamics" are pertinent to what we do.
Research environment
We are a small group and there is a lot of intensive collaboration across our projects. We are an international group of people, and we have current projects in the Austrian Alps (modern glacial processes in the Ötztal Alps particularly), Namibia and South Africa (Late Palaeozoic Ice Age record) and Chile (Patagonian glaciers). We are based in the Geology department and there is access to lots of other overlapping research groups in our field, including structural glaciology and geomorphology, in our faculty. We have good sedimentology labs, including thin section preparation (e.g. micromorphology), microscopes, including a range of SEM instruments.
Expectations towards postdoctoral fellows in this programme
I will do my best to mentor you to the best of my ability and to champion your work. We have built a group so far with a genuine team dynamic, working together on papers, projects and fieldwork and there is a lot of collaboration with colleagues from S Africa, the USA, China and the UK. So being able to work well with people is really important. Potential in scientific writing (papers, grants) is important.
Possible research themes or topics for postdoctoral projects
If you are applying for this scheme, and your research broadly aligns with what we do, please just get in touch and we can discuss possible projects.
Weblink for further information:
https://geologie.univie.ac.at/en/
Email: daniel.le-heron(at)univie.ac.at
Thomas Griffiths
Research Focus
Main research areas: Microstructures of magmatic and metamorphic rocks, with particular focus on igneous rocks. Crystallographic orientation relationships and crystallographic preferred orientation development in magmatic rocks. Crystal clustering mechanisms, syn-eruptive crystallisation and evolution of crystal size and shape distribution in magmatic rocks. Interfaces in geological materials. Applications of scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis.
Current projects: Syn-eruptive quantitative petrology: new frontiers in volcanic monitoring and eruptive phenomena evolution
Research environment
The petrology group at the Department of Lithospheric Research offers a lively, supportive research environment. Current topics range from ice nucleation on mineral aerosols to the evolution of the deep mantle. As part of the Faculty for Earth Sciences, Geography, and Astronomy (FGGA), we have strong connections to other earth sciences departments (within FGGA and beyond), as well as to an interdisciplinary doctoral school. The postdoc is guaranteed office space, standard computing infrastructure, and access to workstations, optical microscopes, and labs for sample preparation and high temperature synthesis. High-end analytical infrastructure of the Core Facilities ‘Electron Beam Microanalysis’ and ‘GeoIsotopes’ is available at internal rates. The postdoc will be eligible for the FGGA early-stage researcher program (€1500/year) and the FGGA Women in Science program (€2000/year), which support conference trips, external measurement trips, and training.
Expectations towards postdoctoral fellows in this programme
Pursuit of independent research on themes aligned with overall research interests of the department, including usage of electron microscopy research infrastructure at FGGA, the publication of results in peer reviewed journals, and the submission of research proposals (intended to be carried out at the department) to external funding agencies. We expect active participation in scientific discussions for exchange with other members of the work group and the faculty, including the attendance of seminars and the presentation of preliminary results in internal work group meetings.
Possible research themes or topics for postdoctoral projects
Application of electron backscatter diffraction to study igneous and/or metamorphic microstructures
Growth-induced crystal lattice rotation
Development and petrological significance of crystallographic orientation relationships in magmatic and/or host-inclusion systems
Grain- and phase boundary character and energy distribution in rocks
Weblink for further information:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Thomas-Griffiths-5
Email: th.griffiths(at)univie.ac.at
Blaž Gasparini
Research Focus
I'm a cloud and climate scientist working at the intersection of small-scale cloud processes and climate. I’m currently most excited about lifecycle-resolved analyses of high clouds and how they may change in a warming world. I have experience with both coarse and high-resolution atmospheric models in realistic and idealized settings. I would also like to dive deeper into observational data, especially global remote-sensing of clouds and radiation. I’m also interested in aerosol–ice-cloud interactions, climate and weather modification, and the potential climate impacts of space junk. More broadly, I care about climate change, its societal impacts, and effective communication of climate and weather information.
Ongoing projects:
– De-risking cirrus modification
– PATSI (space-junk influence on climate)
– ANVIL (tropical high-cloud feedbacks, in review)
– collaboration with AC3S project led by U Stockholm (aerosol-convection interactions)
Research environment
I'm embedded in the climate dynamics and computation research team (http://klimadynamik.univie.ac.at) that tries to understand our climate in new and fundamental ways. Our team integrates innovative research, excellent teaching, and accessible outreach. Our team culture is built on collaboration, diversity and personal growth. We are guided by the principles of open and inclusive science, and are fueled by our curiosity and the desire to explore new approaches to long-standing problems. We build numerical representations of the climate system and combine them with theory and observations to push the boundaries of understanding and help train future generations.
We have a number of collaborations with researchers throughout the world, for example from the University of Washington, Stockholm University, Imperial College, ETH Zurich. Moreover, our team is each year hosting an international pre-EGU ice cloud workshop.
Expectations towards postdoctoral fellows in this programme
You have plenty of space to develop your own ideas. We expect cutting-edge climate research. We want research that goes beyond superficial analysis and tries to achieve a mechanistic, process-based understanding of the phenomena of interest.
Our lab book provides more info on our team values and how we work as a team, see https://klimadynamik.univie.ac.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/labbook_public.pdf
Possible research themes or topics for postdoctoral projects
Let's get in touch and chat about it!
Weblink for further information:
https://klimadynamik.univie.ac.at
Email: blaz.gasparini(at)univie.ac.at
Stefano Serafin
Research Focus
The host is Dr. Stefano Serafin, a senior scientist with about 20-year experience in mountain meteorology and high-resolution numerical modelling of the atmosphere. Dr Serafin’s current research deals with the representation of boundary-layer turbulence and orographic drag in numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. In particular, he works on constraining empirical parameterizations of these processes with observations using inverse modelling techniques, primarily ensemble data assimilation. The main working tools are NWP codes that can run in large-eddy simulation mode (e.g., WRF), ensemble data assimilation codes (e.g., the Data Assimilation Research Testbed DART), and observations from field campaigns such as TEAMx, which took place in 2025 in the Central Alps. Research on ensemble-based parameter estimation is conducted by Dr. Serafin with two project-funded PhD students, and is connected with several international partners through the TEAMx programme (www.teamx-programme.org).
Research environment
The researcher is part of the Numerical Weather Prediction and Data Assimilation group led by Prof. Martin Weissmann (20 years of expertise in convective-scale data assimilation with ensemble methods), which comprises about 10 scientists. Other staff at the Department of Meteorology and Geophysics (IMGW) consists of about 30 among professors, senior scientists, post-docs and doctoral candidates. The working groups are active in several interconnected areas of weather and climate research (NWP, climate dynamics, atmospheric transport modelling) and foster a culture of cooperation, which creates a fertile work environment with great development opportunities. IMGW has access to continuously improving high-performance computing resources, both in-house (a cluster with 19 computing nodes and 4 PB storage capacity) and on national infrastructures (private nodes on the Austrian Scientific Cluster). Research staff at IMGW is supported by dedicated IT administrators and software engineers.
Expectations towards postdoctoral fellows in this programme
Essential qualifications: Background knowledge in meteorology or applied mathematics (inverse modelling); demonstrated proficiency in Python and, optionally, Fortran programming; familiarity with Linux/UNIX environments; strong motivation; positive attitude toward teamwork; excellent verbal and written communication skills including fluency in English. Further desirable qualifications: Basic experience with numerical weather prediction codes and data assimilation methods; familiarity with high-performance computing; interest in the applications of machine learning in meteorology. Expectations: (1) At the beginning of the post-doc fellowship: Implementation, in agreement with the mentor, of a credible 3-year research plan that leads to multiple publications on leading scientific journals. (2) Towards the end of the fellowship: Seeking for self-funded further employment through independent writing of an own research proposal.
Possible research themes or topics for postdoctoral projects
Proposals structured along the following 3 stages are solicited. (1) Nature runs: Accurate high-resolution simulations, validated with field observations, of a specific small-scale meteorological process. (2) Coarser-resolution ensemble simulations, in which the same process is parameterized. (3) Dynamical adjustment of empirical constants in the parameterized ensemble, using synthetic observations of the nature run. An example: if the parameterized process is atmospheric turbulence, the nature run is a large-eddy simulation and the ensemble uses single-column models at nominal climate-model resolution. This method is flexible and lends itself to application in many contexts. Candidates are encouraged to identify creatively their preferred parameterization problem (e.g., turbulence over heterogeneous terrain, wind farms, urban canopy) and to elaborate on the appropriate inverse modelling method (e.g., Ensemble Kalman Filter inversion vs. Markov-Chain Monte Carlo, if possible).
Weblink for further information:
https://img.univie.ac.at/en/about-us/staff/private-homepages/serafin-stefano/
Email: stefano.serafin(at)univie.ac.at
Andreas Stohl
Research Focus
Transport in the atmosphere of: greenhouse gases, radionuclides, heat, water, microplastics and other substances.
Inverse modelling of emission sources (e.g., of greenhouse gases).
Development of atmospheric transport models (FLEXPART).
Research environment
In our group, we are developing the FLEXPART atmospheric transport model, which is used in >60 countries worldwide. We offer an exciting international atmosphere with a well-balanced gender distribution. We have access to the Austrian Scientific Computing infrastructure, which runs Austria's main supercomputer, as well as our local compute cluster with multi-petabyte storage. The team is not only developing FLEXPART but also seeking applications of the model, both established ones and new developments. We are involved in numerous national as well as international projects and have a strong focus on scientific excellence.
Expectations towards postdoctoral fellows in this programme
Strong programming skills in Python and/or Fortran and a solid background in the natural sciences.
Willingness to work in a team.
Scientific curiosity.
Experience with atmospheric (transport) models would be a plus.
Weblink for further information:
https://flexteam.univie.ac.at/
Email: andreas.stohl(at)univie.ac.at
Chi Zhang
Research Focus
For a decade as an independent Principal Investigator (PI), my research has focused on water-rock interactions in critical subsurface processes (e.g., groundwater movement, weathering, water-rock interactions, and CO2 sequestration) using combined geophysical, hydrogeology, geochemical tools and numerical modeling methods from micro- to macro-scales. My work has resulted in over 50 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact geophysical journals. My research combines discovery-driven science with practical solutions, aiming to address environmental challenges through innovative approaches.
Current projects:
• Principal “UNSAT-NMR”. FWF Principal Investigator Projects Jan. 2026 – Dec. 2028. (Referred/Competitive).
• Co-Principal “SAFARI – Solid and Fluid Regime Transition of Granular Materials”. EU Horizon Europe MSCA Staff-Exchange (101235182). 2025 – 2029. (Referred/Competitive).
• Host Principal “Energy Security in Transition”. FWF ESPRIT Award to Dr. Nils Haneklaus (host PI/mentor). 2025 – 2028 (Referred/Competitive).
• Principal “LINA”. OeAD-Taiwan International Collaboration Project Nov. 2025 – Oct. 2027. (Referred/Competitive).
• Principal “How cold breaks rocks: discoveries from Austria's frozen landscapes”. City of Vienna (Stadt Wien) Research Funding. Nov. 2024 – Oct. 2025. (Referred/Competitive).
Research environment
Dr. Zhang’s Environmental Geophysics group recently acquired a low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) rock analyzer specifically designed for porous media characterization. This cutting-edge system, the first of its kind in Austria and central Europe, positions the University of Vienna as a leading institution for low-field NMR research and applications in the region. Additionally, Dr. Zhang’s group possesses a borehole NMR system (DART) from VistaClara Inc., which will be instrumental for field applications.
Currently Dr. Zhang's group has 1 postdoc, 1 visiting professor, 5 PhD students, 1 visiting PhD student, and 1 Master students, creating diverse and supportive research environment for every group member.
Dr. Zhang has established solid research collaborations with institutions across Europe, the U.S., China, and Brazil, leading to joint publications and research proposals like FWF international, OeAD international mobility grants, EU Horizon MSCA staff exchange and doctoral network. These international research engagements expand the impact, reach, and interdisciplinary nature of my work.
Expectations towards postdoctoral fellows in this programme
This candidate should have international background and diverse academic training. I am looking for a scholar who is uniquely positioned at the intersection of geophysics, environmental science and engineering, and civil engineering. While my group brings strong expertise in geophysical sensing technologies and multiscale hydrologic process monitoring, I am expecting a candidate who has profound training in multiphase flow dynamics and geophysical theories to bridge fundamental pore-scale mechanisms controlling fluid (e.g., water, contaminants, CO2, and microplastic) transport with macro scale observations.
I expect this collaboration to yield 4 to 5 high-impact publications in top journals spanning environmental science, geophysics, and hydrology. As a female scientist in STEM, she should significantly contribute to the university and geophysics community's commitment to diversity and leadership, and also strengthens our applications for competitive internal and external research grants.
Possible research themes or topics for postdoctoral projects
*Basic research questions: how does a drop of water move within soil and rock? and how can we monitor it?*
Potential project topics: Freeze-thawing of Alpine rock and its climate impact; Peatland geophysics: Linking pore architecture, hydrology, and greenhouse gas emissions in peatlands; Unveiling Microplastic Fate in Soils: From Pore-Scale Mechanisms to Predictive Modelling; AI-driven vadose hydrogeophysical investigations; Integrate geophysical methods to characterize and monitor PFAS contamination within soil and groundwater.
Weblink for further information:
https://imgw.univie.ac.at/ueber-uns/mitarbeiterinnen/persoenliche-homepages/zhang-chi/
Email: chi.zhang(at)univie.ac.at
Petra Heinz
Research Focus
We reconstruct marine ecosystems through micropaleontological, ecological, and biological analyses of benthic foraminifera and ostracods. These taxa are highly sensitive to environmental change, exhibiting shifts in community composition, abundance, diversity, and spatial distribution. By examining modern and fossil assemblages, we infer key environmental drivers—including food availability, oxygenation, temperature, and salinity—that shape benthic communities. Our approach also incorporates assessments of pollution to evaluate anthropogenic impacts alongside natural variability. Together, these proxies provide a robust framework for reconstructing past and present marine conditions, refining interpretations of ecosystem dynamics, and improving our understanding of how benthic systems respond to multiple stressors. It delivers high-resolution environmental reconstructions and offers critical baselines for monitoring, management, and the prediction of future change in marine habitats.
Research environment
Our infrastructure supports experimental and analytical studies on foraminifera and ostracods, from culture to microfossil characterization. We operate a cultivation laboratory with diverse taxa and algal cultures for feeding. A walk-in, climate-controlled chamber enables stable, long-term experiments and precise manipulation of temperature, salinity, oxygen, and carbonate chemistry, monitored with specialized instrumentation. For new sampling, the department provides grab samplers in two sizes and a hammer corer. Analytical capabilities include a micropaleontological lab for sample processing, taxonomic work, and thin-section preparation. High-resolution imaging is provided by 3D and fluorescence microscopes and access to SEM via the Core Facility for Electron Beam Microanalysis.
Expectations towards postdoctoral fellows in this programme
We seek an independent scientist who brings a well-defined research idea. Two profiles are welcome: A) Culture-based: Use our cultivation facilities for foraminifera and ostracods. Prior experience with live material is required, ideally including experimental design and execution. B) Fossil-based: Work with microfossil assemblages. Proven taxonomic expertise and hands-on experience in sample preparation and processing are expected; ideally you already have your own material ready for analysis. Applicants should demonstrate initiative, rigorous methods, and the ability to work autonomously while collaborating within our team.
Weblink for further information:
https://palaeontologie.univie.ac.at/en/research/palaeoecosystems/
Email: petra.heinz(at)univie.ac.at
Martin Zuschin
Research Focus
Our field of research is Conservation Paleobiology and Historical Ecology. We study modern environments and their very young fossil record to define ecological baselines for the differentiation of anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic change and to set realistic targets for the restoration of disturbed ecosystems. We use the older geologic record including now-extinct taxa to study biotic responses to environmental change that is beyond conditions observed today and to strengthen the ecological theory underlying conservation practice. For this purpose we concentrate on modern and fossil marine ecosystems and we use geohistorical records (e.g., fossils, sediment cores, geochemical data among others) to study biotic responses to environmental disturbances.
We do a lot of field work and we rely heavily on new collections and environmental data of modern and fossil communities and environments. We study regional ecosystems to ask questions of wider importance. The sedimentological and stratigraphic context of the fossil record is of primary importance for our environmental evaluations. We do a lot of age-dating and we make use of historical data sets and museum collections wherever possible.
We study macrofauna (e.g., brachiopods, bryozoans, molluscs, corals, fish otoliths, sponge spicules) and microfauna (e.g, ostracods and foraminifers) from fossil, archaeological and historical records.
Research environment
Our team Historical Ecology and Conservation Paleobiology currently consists of a professor, a senior scientist, a postdoc, two preadocs and 2 master students together with technical and administrative staff. We have a big wet lab, very good micrscopes and access to a very good SEM.
Expectations towards postdoctoral fellows in this programme
The postdoctoral fellow has a research history in palaeontology or marine ecology with competence in marine invertebrates and multivariate statistics and strong interest in marine Conservation Palaeobiology.
Possible research themes or topics for postdoctoral projects
Conservation Paleobiology of late Pleistocene and Holocene benthic assemblages of the Mediterranean Sea.
Late Pleistocene and modern coral reefs of the Red Sea.
The candidate is welcome to suggest topics / themes.
Weblink for further information:
https://palaeontologie.univie.ac.at/forschung/conservation-palaeobiology-and-historical-ecology/
Email: martin.zuschin(at)univie.ac.at