Vienna Doctoral School in Physics

Supervisor: Ass. Prof. Karin Hain

Duration of Contract: 3 years

Working hours: 30 hours/week

Job Description

This position involves active participation in research on isotope signatures for applications in environmental research, teaching and administration, including publication in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at international conferences, supervision of student lab courses, and participation in mass spectrometric measurements. A particular interest in ion-laser interactions and nuclear reactions is essential.

Work Environment:

The Isotope Physics group of the Faculty of Physics at the University of Vienna invites applications for the position of a University Assistant (praedoc / PhD student). The group pursues fundamental and application-oriented research with the Vienna Environmental Research Accelerator (VERA), an internationally leading facility for accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). A particular strength of VERA is the capability to perform state-of-the-art measurements all across the nuclear chart. Extending the AMS method to isotopes previously difficult or impossible to measure with a 3 MV-accelerator is an important research activity. The group maintains a large number of international and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Your Tasks:

Participation in research, teaching and administration:

Participation in (international) research projects / research studies: You will develop novel methods to make AMS isotopes measurable for practical applications, e.g. as tracers in environmental studies.
You will be involved in development of suitable sample preparation protocols and/or upgrade of AMS instrumentation.
You work on your dissertation.
Participation in publications / academic articles / presentations.
We expect the successful candidates to sign a doctoral thesis agreement within 12 months.
Participation in teaching and independent teaching of courses as defined by the collective agreement, e.g. lab courses in nuclear physics.

Your Profile:

Must-have:

Completed Master’s degree or Diploma in Physics or a related subject.
Excellent command of written and spoken English.
Computer-skills: Basic Knowledge of data evaluation software.
Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and international team.
Basic experience in academic writing and experimental research methods.

Desirable Qualification:

Practical experience with instrumentation for ion beam techniques and/or laser optics.
Practical skills in gamma spectrometry.
Hands-on experience in analytical chemistry.
Verifiable ability to run AMS measurements.
Basic knowledge of nuclear physics.
Experience in outreach activities.

Application Documents:

Letter of Motivation (in German or English) including ideas for a prospective doctoral project proposal.
Curriculum vitae.
List of publications, evidence of teaching experience (if available).
Degree certificates.

What we offer:

Work-life balance: Flexible working hours are possible taking into account the requirements of research, teaching, and supervision. Options for remote/hybrid might be available depending on task-related needs.

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

Good public transport connections: Your workplace is easily accessible by public transport.

Internal further training & coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.

Fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 2.786,10 (for 30 hours/week) increases if we can credit professional experience.

Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

If you have any questions, please contact:
Karin Hain: karin.hain(at)univie.ac.at
Helga Schmelzer-Vincro: helga.schmelzer-vincro(at)univie.ac.at

Research Group/Supervisor: MATE-Research Platform/Prof. Jani Kotakoski

Duration of Contract: 4 years

Working hours: 30 hours/week

Job Description

You will be part of MATE, a multidisciplinary research platform of the University of Vienna that unites expertise across synthetic chemistry, materials physics, quantum technologies, and nanomaterial functionalization to develop next-generation functional nanomaterials with tailored quantum, electronic and magnetic properties. By integrating the complementary skills of five established research groups, we aim at addressing critical challenges in reproducibility, scalability, and practical applications of low-dimensional materials, particularly focusing on 1D and 2D materials.

Your job will be focused on atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging and electron energy loss spectroscopy of materials that can host magnons. Spin waves and their quanta—magnons—are promising candidates for data carriers in next-generation low-energy computing devices. In this project, you will employ advanced 4D-STEM imaging techniques combined with high-energy-resolution spectroscopy to establish the spatial localization and momentum-dispersion of magnons as a function of temperature, ranging from 30 K to elevated temperatures.

Work Environment:

MATE offers a vibrant and intellectually stimulating research environment where curiosity and scientific excellence thrive. You'll be part of a dynamic, collaborative community of researchers who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of materials science. Our atmosphere balances ambitious research goals with mutual support and collegiality, fostering both independent thinking and teamwork. The 5 groups involved in MATE maintain an active research culture with regular seminars, group discussions, and knowledge exchange that keep you connected to the latest developments. We all value open communication, creative problem-solving, and a healthy work-life balance, creating an environment where you can grow both professionally and personally. International collaboration is at the heart of what we do, providing you with opportunities to build a global network while working alongside diverse, talented colleagues who share your enthusiasm for cutting-edge science.

The Kotakoski research group that you will be joining specializes in atomic-resolution study and manipulation of 2D- and nanomaterials with a toolbox containing (scanning) transmission electron microscopy, various techniques from experimental materials physics, and computational physics. The group constantly develops their unique experimental setup, providing an ample opportunity for learning and for iplementing new experimental techniques.

Your Tasks:

You are involved in an exciting research project with a pioneering nature, involving state-of-the-art microscopic and spectroscopic techniques.
You will carry out independent experimental and/or computational work, including data analysis and preparation of results for publication.
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 towards its completion in time. We expect a large degree of independence paired with a high level of social awareness as the goal will only be achieved in a 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.
You will advance your dissertation toward successful completion with dedicated mentorship
You will contribute to teaching activities, both in teams and independently
You will engage with the broader scientific community through conferences and collaborative events

Your Profile:

You have a master's degree or diploma in physics, physical chemistry, materials science or a related field
You have basic experience in academic writing
You are interested in learning to build and fix experimental setups
We welcome hands-on experience in atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and 4D-STEM imaging methods
Highly desirable experience (not compulsory) in Python programming
Initiative in solving scientific problems.
Excellent command of written and spoken English
Basic use of German would be useful but not compulsory
You are a team player
You have didactic competences and knowledge of teaching principles.

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: Success in life depends on what you make of it, but if you are ambitious and successful, there are plenty of opportunities to connect you to all relevant top research groups in the world.

Internal further training & coaching: The Vienna Doctoral School as well as the department of human resources offer plenty of opportunities to grow your skills in over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.

Fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 3,776,10 (on a full-time basis, 14x p.a.) increases if we can credit professional experience.

A PhD project: A project related to cutting-edge research in the fields of physics, materials science, and physical properties of new materials.

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible, family-friendly working hours

A city with an outstanding life quality: Vienna has been chosen several times as the most livable city word-wide, with a rich culture, numerous recreational opportunities and beautiful nature surroundings.

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

Equal opportunities for everyone: We look forward to diverse personalities in the team!

Terms of employment:

Extent of Employment: 30 hours/weekT he 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. Occupation group in accordance with collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc). After three years of employment, the salary increases according to the collective bargaining agreement.

If you have any questions, please contact: Jani Kotakoski jani.kotakoski(at)univie.ac.at

Research Group/Supervisor: MATE-Research Platform/Prof. Andrii Chumak

Duration of Contract: 4 years

Working hours: 30 hours/week

Job Description

You will be part of MATE, a multidisciplinary research platform of the University of Vienna that unites expertise across synthetic chemistry, materials physics, quantum technologies, and nanomaterials functionalization to develop next-generation functional nanomaterials with tailored quantum, electronic and magnetic properties. By integrating the complementary skills of five established research groups, we aim at addressing critical challenges in reproducibility, scalability, and practical applications of low-dimensional materials, particularly focusing on 1D and 2D materials.

Spin waves and their quanta—magnons—are promising candidates for data carriers in next-generation low-energy computing devices where at least one dimension is reduced to atomic scale—such as monolayer graphene—offer a path to scale down spin-wave technologies from current limits of ~50 nm to near-atomic dimensions. A key challenge remains the miniaturisation of magnonic conduits to ensure compatibility with established CMOS technologies. Low-dimensional systems.

Your job will be focused on investigating magnon transport in magnetic van der Waals two-dimensional material and carbon nanotubes filled with magnetic materials. Quantum and classical information technologies increasingly depend on innovative low-loss magnetic materials for coherent magnon-based operations. Historically focused on microwave electronics at room temperature, the development of such materials must now meet the additional demand of operability at cryogenic temperatures—essential for many quantum information applications.

Work Environment:

MATE offers a vibrant and intellectually stimulating research environment where curiosity and scientific excellence thrive. You'll be part of a dynamic, collaborative community of researchers who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of materials science. Our atmosphere balances ambitious research goals with mutual support and collegiality, fostering both independent thinking and teamwork. The 5 groups involved in MATE maintain an active research culture with regular seminars, group discussions, and knowledge exchange that keep you connected to the latest developments. We all value open communication, creative problem-solving, and a healthy work-life balance, creating an environment where you can grow both professionally and personally. International collaboration is at the heart of what we do, providing you with opportunities to build a global network while working alongside diverse, talented colleagues who share your enthusiasm for cutting-edge science.

Specific to the group you will be joining, the “Nanomagnetism and Magnonics” Research Group under the direction of Prof. Dr. Andrii Chumak at the Faculty of Physics, University of Vienna, is a team that conducts internationally leading research in the field of experimental solid-state physics. The research scope of the group encompasses magnonics, spintronics, RF applications, and quantum magnonics at ultralow temperatures.

Your Tasks:

Master modern techniques for fabricating magnetic nanostructures and hybrid systems. Fabricate structures for subsequent experimental research.
- Carry out experimental studies using microwave techniques such as ferromagnetic resonance and propagating spin-wave spectroscopy.
- Measure magnon transport using magneto-optical techniques such as Brillouin light scattering (BLS) and magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) spectroscopy.
Perform experimental measurements, collect and analyse new data.
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 towards its completion in time. We expect a large degree of independence paired with a high level of social awareness as the goal will only be achieved in a 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.
You will advance your dissertation toward successful completion with dedicated mentorship.
You will contribute to teaching activities, both in teams and independently.
You will engage with the broader scientific community through conferences and collaborative events.

Your Profile:

You have a master's degree or diploma in physics, physical chemistry, materials science or a related field
You have basic experience in academic writing,
Listened lecture courses on condensed-matter, spintronics or magnonics are desirable.
Experience in nanofabrication in a clean room environment is desirable.
Initiative in solving scientific problems.
Excellent command of written and spoken English,
Basic use of German would be useful but not compulsory,
You are a team player
You have didactic competences and knowledge of teaching principles.

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: Success in life depends on what you make of it, but if you are ambitious and successful, there are plenty of opportunities to connect you to all relevant top research groups in the world.

Internal further training & coaching: The Vienna Doctoral School as well as the department of human resources offer plenty of opportunities to grow your skills in over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.

Fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 3,776,10 (on a full-time basis, 14x p.a.) increases if we can credit professional experience.

A PhD project: A project related to cutting-edge research in the fields of materials science and physical properties of new materials.

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible, family-friendly working hours

A city with an outstanding life quality: Vienna has been chosen several times as the most livable city word-wide, with a rich culture, numerous recreational opportunities and beautiful nature surroundings.

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

Equal opportunities for everyone: We look forward to diverse personalities in the team!

Terms of employment:

Extent of Employment: 30 hours/week. 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. Occupation group in accordance with collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc). After three years of employment, the salary increases according to the collective bargaining agreement.

If you have any questions, please contact: Andrii Chumak andrii.chumak(at)univie.ac.at

Research Group/Supervisor: MATE-Research Platform/Prof. Paola Ayala

Duration of Contract: 4 years

Working hours: 30 hours/week

Job Description

You will be part of MATE, a multidisciplinary research platform of the University of Vienna that unites expertise across synthetic chemistry, materials physics, quantum technologies, and nanomaterial functionalization to develop next-generation functional nanomaterials with tailored quantum, electronic and magnetic properties. By integrating the complementary skills of five established research groups, we aim at addressing critical challenges in reproducibility, scalability, and practical applications of low-dimensional materials, particularly focusing on 1D and 2D materials.

Your job will be focused on controlling the function of the inner and outer surfaces of various types of nanotubes at an atomistic scale. Functionalized C and TMDC nanotubes exhibit outstanding properties and functionality by tailoring the inner and outer coaxial surfaces making them an extremely promising new materials for sensing. Therefore, you will be focused on the control and fine tuning of the electronic and optical response of C and TDMC nanotubes using functionalization routes that involve different degrees of functionalization. A great portion of your work will be devoted to understanding how basic correlation effects in 2 D materials induced by the twist angle and doping of interfaces play a crucial functionalization role. This will allow for understanding how hybridization plays a role in controlling the properties of the heterostructured materials for their applicability.

Work Environment:

MATE offers a vibrant and intellectually stimulating research environment where curiosity and scientific excellence thrive. You'll be part of a dynamic, collaborative community of researchers who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of materials science. Our atmosphere balances ambitious research goals with mutual support and collegiality, fostering both independent thinking and teamwork. The 5 groups involved in MATE maintain an active research culture with regular seminars, group discussions, and knowledge exchange that keep you connected to the latest developments. We all value open communication, creative problem-solving, and a healthy work-life balance, creating an environment where you can grow both professionally and personally. International collaboration is at the heart of what we do, providing you with opportunities to build a global network while working alongside diverse, talented colleagues who share your enthusiasm for cutting-edge science.

Specific to the group you will be joining, the Tailored Hybrid Structures (THS) group, led by Prof. Paola Ayala, is internationally recognized for pioneering research in low-dimensional carbon materials from a spectroscopy perspective. The team has established expertise in the synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of filled and substitutionally modified carbon heteronanotubes and related nanomaterials. The group´s research is at an exciting juncture, expanding beyond our traditional strengths to explore high-impact applications in biological systems and environmental science.

Your Tasks:

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 towards its completion in time. We expect a large degree of independence paired with a high level of social awareness as the goal will only be achieved in a 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.
You will advance your dissertation toward successful completion with dedicated mentorship.
You will contribute to teaching activities, both in teams and independently.
You will engage with the broader scientific community through conferences and collaborative events.

Your Profile:

You have a master's degree or diploma in physics, physical chemistry, materials science or a related field
You have basic experience in academic writing,
Initiative in solving scientific problems.
Excellent command of written and spoken English,
Basic use of German would be useful but not compulsory,
You are a team player
You have didactic competences and knowledge of teaching principles.