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: 15.11.2026 | Working hours: 30.00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)
Limited contract until: 14.11.2030
Job ID: 6270
Are you fascinated by science and its rapid progress? Are you intrigued by ever-improving microscopes and the images they provide? Are you passionate about interdisciplinary research? Do you want to contribute your skills and know-how to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge? Are you a team player who loves to discuss science and to develop new technologies in the laboratory? Then you should consider becoming a member of the Quantum Optics and Microscopy team.
Your personal sphere of influence:
As a university assistant (praedoc) on this 4-year position, you will be part of the Quantum Optics and Microscopy team around Professor Thomas Juffmann. You will be working on advanced imaging experiments with applications in the biosciences that push the limits of the state-of-the-art in terms of imaging resolution and speed.
Our team is part of the Quantum Physics group of the Faculty of Physics. We are a member of the Vienna Center for Quantum Science and Technology (VCQ), one of the largest quantum hubs in Europe, and of the Austrian Cluster of Excellence (quantA), advancing basic research in quantum sciences. We are also affiliated with, and located at, the Max Perutz Labs, dedicated to a mechanistic understanding of fundamental biomedical processes. You will become part of a thriving research environment that spans disciplines from physics to biology.
The Juffmann group unites an international team of scientists (Master, PhD, Postdoc) who love to develop the instruments of tomorrow. Together we have assembled a unique skill set and knowledge base in optics, electron optics, quantum sensing, microscopy, adaptive optics, information theory, biophysics, and more. Working with us means learning something new every day – all of us, from Bachelor's student to professor.
Your future tasks:
You actively participate in research, teaching & administration, which means:
- You are involved in a specific and well-funded research project, focused on novel measurement techniques based on electrons and light.
- 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 an openness to guidance and constructive feedback.
- You will contribute to teaching (lab courses, exercise classes) within the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
- You will fill 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 will contribute to outreach by publications, conference presentations and public activities.
This is part of your personality:
- You have completed your Master's degree or Diploma in physics.
- You have worked with transmission electron microscopes.
- You have an excellent command of written and spoken English.
- You have worked with LEEM, PEEM, or ONEM microscopes.
- Ideally, you have completed classes on quantum optics and quantum metrology.
- Ideally, you have experience with both ray-tracing and wave optics simulations.
- Ideally, you have worked in the field of quantum electron optics.
- Ideally, you have experience in Python-based data analysis workflows.
What we offer:
Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours and can partially work remotely.
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 in beautiful Vienna is easily accessible by public transport.
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 (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:
- Your scientific curriculum vitae.
- A motivation letter (max. 1 page).
- A summary of your previous academic and research achievements. Tell us what you’re proud of.
- A short statement on your research interests for the future. Tell us what you dream about, scientifically.
- Your Bachelor’s and Master‘s degree: an excellent academic degree is a good entrance statement for this position.
- Via our job portal/ "Apply now" button.
If you have any content questions, please contact:
Thomas Juffmann
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.
University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.
Application deadline: 01.11.2026
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