The University of Vienna is a community of over 10,000 individuals, including approximately 7,500 academic staff members, who passionately pursue answers to the profound questions that shape our future. They represent individuals driven by curiosity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With us, they find the space to try things out and unfold their potential. Are you inspired by their passion and determination? We are currently seeking a/an

University assistant predoctoral 

52 Faculty of Chemistry  

Job vacancy starting: 11/01/2025 | Working hours:  30,00  | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) 

Limited contract until: 10/31/2029

Job ID: 4732

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where more than 7,500 academics thrive on curiosity in continuous exploration and help us better understand our world. Does this sound like you? Then join our accomplished team!

Open PhD Position (m/f/x) in the field of synthesis of electrochromic chromophores in the Bonifazi Group, University of Vienna

The Organic Chemistry Group of Prof. Bonifazi in the Faculty of Chemistry is currently seeking a PhD student with research experience in organic chemistry or related disciplines (e.g., materials science).

Your personal sphere of influence:

To address the need for developing a palette of engineered, reproducible colorless-to-color electrochromic materials for ultra-low power display applications, this PhD project aims to develop a family of non-conjugated polynorbornenes equipped with electrochromic chromophore appendages. Besides the synthetic advantage of functionalizing norbornene derivatives and precisely controlling their polymerization, this project is conceptualized to achieve a colorless-to-color transition. Indeed, being non-conjugated, the polynorbornene will not have a coloration in the neutral state. If the chosen electrochromes are also non-colored in the same conditions, the whole system will be transparent in the inactivated device. Thanks to the synthetic control, expansion of the color scope, screening of the degree of polymerization, establishment of reproducible protocols, and underpinning of property/performance relationships could also be achieved. During this PhD, the candidate will have the possibility of developing cutting-edge synthesis as well as developing methodologies for the application of the produced compounds in printed electronic industrial process lines.

Your future tasks:

The Bonifazi group (https://bonifazi-group.univie.ac.at/), led by Prof. Bonifazi is situated within the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Vienna. Our group focuses on ambitious targeted organic synthesis, carbon-based nanostructure chemistry, and self-assembly and self-organisation studies. Our primary objective is to develop practical access to functional organic architectures with tailored properties, enabling the application in real-world technologies.As a PhD student in the Bonifazi group, you will have the opportunity to work at the intersection of physical organic chemistry and cutting-edge material science, fostering collaborations with both academic and industrial partners, and be part of an international team.

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

• You are involved in research projects.
• 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 take on administrative tasks in research, teaching and administration.

This is part of your personality:

• You hold an MSc degree or equivalent in chemistry or a related field.
• Previous experience working with organic synthesis and design of chromophores for electrochromic applications and purification methods required.
• Previous experience with spectroscopic analytical platforms, such as experience with electrochromism.
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation, as well as the ability to critically analyse scientific literature.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English (IELTS score = 6.5).
• Strong problem-solving skills and passion for science.
• Ability to work independently in your field of expertise and collaborate in a research team.
• Great sense of thoroughness and organization.

What we offer:

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment. Access to excellent research expertise, state-of-the-art facilities , and mentorship enabling unique research possibilities. Opportunities for continuous personal and professional development, along with flexible working hours. A stimulating and intellectually rewarding environment in an international team.

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 3.714,80 (on a full-time basis) increases if we can credit professional experience.

Contract: 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 within the first 12 months by submitting a non-extension declaration.

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

It is that easy to apply:

• With your scientific curriculum vitae / letter of intent
• With your summary of research interests / ideas for a prospective doctoral project proposal 
• Master Degree  /  Diploma
• Via our job portal/ Apply now -  button

If you have any questions, please contact:

Davide Bonifazi  

davide.bonifazi@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: 10/17/2025