At the University of Vienna, over 10,000 people work together on the big questions of the future. Approximately 7,500 of them are academic staff members. These are individuals who, with their curiosity and their continuous pursuit of excellence, engage in international cutting-edge research and teaching. With us, you will also find space to unfold your potential. We are offering a 

PhD position on the Milky Way Superclouds 

53 Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy  

Job vacancy starting: 09/01/2025 | Working hours:  30,00  | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) 

Limited contract until: 08/31/2029

Job ID: 4340

Among the many reasons to research and teach at the University of Vienna there is one in particular, which has convinced around 7,500 academic staff members so far. They see themselves as personalities who need space for continuous striving for top international research and scientific excellence. At the same time, they enjoy support and liberties that are not a given at other institutions. Does that sound like something for you?

Your working place:

The Department of Astrophysics with currently around 100 members is part of the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy at the University of Vienna.
The Alves research group (ISM and Star Formation) is looking for a highly motivated and talented predoctoral scientist. The university assistant pre doc position is nominally set for four (4) years (details below).

Your future tasks:

You actively participate in research, teaching & administration, which means:

• You are involved in research projects and scientific studies in the area of “Superclouds of the Local Milky Way”.
• We expect you to finalize your dissertation agreement within 12-18 months.
• You work on your dissertation and its completion.
• You hold courses independently within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
• You become an active member of the Vienna International School of Earth and Space Sciences (VISESS).
• You take on administrative tasks in research, teaching and administration.

Your profile:

• Completed Master's / Diploma degree in the field of Astrophysics
• Extensive programming knowledge (Python)
• Excellent command of written and spoken English (C1 level)
• Excellent abilities to work in a team and excellent communication skills
• Experience in ISM research, and in particular, Milky Way Supercloud research, is a plus

What we offer:

Inspiring working atmosphere: You will have the opportunity to work within a dedicated team on forefront science, while profiting from the international environment in the Department of Astrophysics. We have privileged access to the Vienna Scientific Cluster (VSC) super-computing facility. As a member state of ESO and ESA, Austria has access to their first-class observing facilities. 

Good public transport connections: Your working place, the University Observatory, is located in the middle of the natural monument Observatory Park in the lively city of Vienna with outstanding public transport.

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours. Upon agreement, hybrid working hours within Austria might be possible up to a certain extent.

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 3,714,80 (on a 40h/week basis), 14 times a year, increases if we can credit professional experience.

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

Employment duration: 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.

Are you interested?

Please prepare your application as follows:

• a motivation letter (max. one page)
• a curriculum vitae with a list of publications and presentations (max. two pages)
• name, affiliation, and email address of at least two referees (which will be contacted directly after the application deadline)
• diplomas and transcripts (bachelor and master / diploma)
• Via our  job portal, "Apply now" button

If you have any questions, please contact:

Joao Alves  

joao.alves@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 lay special emphasis on increasing the number of women in senior and in academic positions among the academic and general university staff 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.

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​Application deadline: 07/26/2025