Universitätsassistent*in PraeDoc

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!

Your personal sphere of influence:

A PhD position for a university assistant (prae doc) is available at the Department of Functional Materials and Catalysis at the Faculty of Chemistry for 4 years temporary employment relationship. The group of Prof. Freddy Kleitz at the University of Vienna mainly focusses mainly on designing novel solid-state catalysts, sorbents and nanocarriers. The focus of the planned research is on designing nanoporous materials and methods for recovery of critical materials, via solid-phase extraction (SPE). The research project takes place in the interdisciplinary and international framework. Thus, this position requires a high level of commitment and communication. The project combines materials chemistry methods, adsorbent development, analytics and sustainability questions.
You have previous knowledge in the area of materials chemistry related to selective sorption and separation processes. Moreover, you have had opportunities to teach and have a working knowledge of university procedures and structures. Ideally, you have been involved in scientific work and have gathered some international experience.  

Contract duration: The employment duration is 4 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship will automatically be extended to 4 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a non-extension declaration.

Your future tasks:

The successful candidate will focus on developing new procedures for the synthesis of functional adsorbents and use them to recover critical materials from various model and real-world feedstocks. The work will also comprise different analytical techniques (e.g. powder XRD, XPS, gas physisorption, ICP-MS, XRF, electron microscopy, etc.).
 You actively participate in research, teaching & administration, which means:
•    You will be involved in research project and scientific studies in the field of materials chemistry, at the crossroad of environmental science, resource management and sustainability.
•    You will develop synthesis methods for the preparation of functional nanoporous sorbents, that exhibit high selectivity towards targeted metal species. Special emphasis is placed on the development of solid-phase extractants for the recovery of rare-earth elements, as well as other possible critical materials, aiming towards an increased circular economy of such raw materials.
•    The work includes synthesis and characterization of the SPE materials and the testing of their performance for extraction and recovery of the targeted elements, from various potential feedstock sources.
•    You will be involved in publications/academic articles/ presentations
•    You work on your dissertation and its completion.
•    We expect you to finalize your dissertation agreement within 12-18 months
•    We expect you to join the Doctoral School for Chemistry of the University of Vienna.
•    You teach within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.

This is part of your personality:

•    Completed Masters/diploma degree in Chemistry from a university, preferably in the field of Materials Chemistry or equivalent qualification.
•    Knowledge and practical experience in Inorganic Chemistry and/or Materials Chemistry
•    Experience in separation/adsorption techniques (e.g., solid-phase extraction) is an advantage
•    Experience with nanoporous materials is a plus
•    Interested in Interested in resource management, sustainable industrial practices and circular economy aspects
•    Familiar with solid-state and surface characterization methods (i.e., X-ray diffraction, Physisorption, NMR, XPS, FTR and Raman spectroscopies)
•    Ability to work independently as well as being a team player with high social/communicative skills
•    Basic experience in academic writing and with research methods.
•    Excellent command of written and oral English is essential, working knowledge of German an advantage.
•    Experience in data acquisition software
•    IT skills: MS Office desired

What we offer:

• Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible, family-friendly 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.
• Fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 3.714,80 (on a full-time basis) increases if we can credit professional experience.
• Equal opportunities for everyone: We look forward to diverse personalities in the team!

It is that easy to apply:

•    With your scientific curriculum vitae / letter of intent
•    With your letter of motivation incl. research interests
•    Master Degree  /  Diploma
•    List of publications
•    Evidence of teaching experience (if available)
•    Via our job portal/ Apply now -  button (Jobcenter University Vienna)