The University of Vienna is a community of almost 11,000 individuals, including approximately 7,700 academic staff members, who passionately pursue answers to the profound questions that shape our future. Fueled by curiosity and a deep sense of duty, they contribute invaluable insights to research and teaching, enriching our society. Are you inspired and driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact? We are currently seeking a/an

University Assistant postdoctoral 

51 Faculty of Physics  

Job vacancy starting: 05/01/2026 | Working hours:  40,00  | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc) 

Limited contract until: 04/30/2029 The position is initially limited to 3 years, with the potential for extension to 4 years. 

Job ID: 5322

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where over 7,500 brilliant minds have found a unique balance of freedom and support. Join us if you’re passionate about groundbreaking international research and academic excellence. Ready to be part of our team? Let’s shape the future together!

About the team:

The Computational Materials Physics group develops and applies quantum mechanics-based methods for the description of condensed matter systems, including the successful software package VASP (Vienna ab-initio Simulation Package). We focus on the development of methods to solve the many-electron Schrödinger equation for fermions and bosons with high accuracy and on the application of these methods to problems in the physics of oxides, semiconductors, metals and their surfaces. Machine learning methods are used to close the complexity gap. 
Currently, the group consists of three full professors, one associate professor, 6 postdocs and about 15 PhD and 7 master students. Computing time is available on our local cluster and on the Austrian Scientific Cluster, a supercomputer shared by Austria's major universities.

Your future tasks:

Active participation in research, teaching and administration, this implies

• Development and expansion of an independent research profile
• Participation in research projects
• International publication and presentation activities
• Project application and acquisition of third-party funding
• Independent teaching of courses to the extent of the collective agreement provisions
• Student supervision
• Participation in evaluation measures and quality assurance

Furthermore, collaboration with experimental and other theoretical groups in Vienna is desirable. Candidates should also actively contribute to and collaborate with the CRC TACO, https://sfb-taco.at/ a joint research project funded by the Austrian Science Fund. 

Qualification: 

Applicants have outstanding achievements or promise in any area of

• machine learning methods, and/or the development of novel solutions to the many-body Schrödinger equation
• theoretical solid-state physics, including but not limited to modeling of surfaces, interfaces, and electrolysis

 
Applicants with proven experience in the development of new computational methods and their application on high-performance computers are preferred.

• Completed technical or scientific doctoral studies in the field of solid state physics or chemical physics (mandatory)
• Good didactic skills (mandatory)
• High written and oral expression skills (mandatory)
• Computer user skills (mandatory)
• Excellent command of English (mandatory)
• Ability to work in a team (mandatory)
• Professional skills: Development of ab initio methods (optional)
• Methodological skills: Python, Fortran, C, C++ (optional)
• High performance computing (optional)

We also expect:

• Teaching experience / experience with e-learning (optional)
• Experience in participating in research projects (optional)

What we offer:

• Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours, remote/hybrid and/or part-time work (upon agreement).
• 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 the center of beautiful Vienna 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.
• Fixed-term contract and fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 5.014,30 (14 times a year) increases, if we can credit professional experience. The position is initially limited to 3 years, with the potential for extension to 4 years.
• Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

It is that easy to apply:

All applications must include:

• a letter of motivation
• a CV with full academic history
• a list of courses taught and a list of publications and presentations including one or two representative reprints of previous research papers
• a statement of research interest and research agenda (two pages)
• ideally two letters of recommendation

If you have any questions, please contact:

Georg Kresse  

georg.kresse@univie.ac.at

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

University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.

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​Application deadline: 03/27/2026