University Assistant postdoctoral

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 Discovery group is looking for a postdoctoral researcher working in the field of machine learning of electronic structure and computational materials discovery. In this role you will be performing first principles-based simulations for the description of chemical and structural dynamics in the context of surface chemistry, and photoelectrocatalysis.

The project takes place in a large and vibrant interdisciplinary research group and will provide you with space and resources for your personal career and profile development, combining method development, application to real-world problems, and collaboration with experimental groups. Your project will complement ongoing work by other members in the group working towards common goals.

Your future tasks:

The recruited candidate will join the Computational Materials Discovery group (Maurer group)

• You develop an independent research profile in computational materials discovery and machine-learning-accelerated materials simulation.
• You lead and guide the development of novel computational materials discovery and molecular simulation methods.
• You take a key role in the research and management of the Computational Materials Discovery group.
• You supervise and guide students at the bachelor, master and PhD level.
• You contribute to the teaching activities in the Faculty of Physics according to the collective bargaining agreement.
• You publish internationally and give presentations.
• You contribute to applications for projects and in raising third-party funds.
• You develop new ideas, new computational and theoretical approaches, and novel applications.
• You are involved in organizing meetings, conferences, and symposia.
• You take on administrative tasks in research and faculty.
• You participate in research projects and studies.

Candidate Profile:

You might have a background in computational chemistry, theoretical condensed matter physics, computer science, or a similar field. You love working on hard problems that live at the boundary of theoretical method and computational software development. You enjoy working in a team where you contribute your expertise and skill set to deliver an ambitious research vision and where you can contribute to the training of PhD and Master’s students. You are excited about opportunities to communicate with international collaborators across disciplinary and cultural boundaries.

• Completed doctoral/PhD studies in Physics, Theoretical Chemistry or Computer Science, or you expect to complete them in the near future.
• Established experience in computational surface science, electronic structure theory, computational materials discovery, or machine learning in materials science.
• Research competence and initiative proven through international publications in reputable conferences or journals.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills, demonstrated by high-quality academic writing and communication. The capacity to teach bachelor's students in German is a strong plus.
• Experience in research management and supervision.
• Strong social and communicative skills.
• Proven research competence and initiative.
• Track record of international publications in theoretical and computational chemical physics.
• Good experience in software development.
• Excellent team player with good social and communicative skills.
• You are reliable and self-driven.

What we offer:

In the Maurer group, we aim to develop computational simulation methodology to study quantum phenomena at surfaces with applications ranging from photocatalysis, to nanotechnology and electrochemistry. Our goal is to combine electronic structure theory, molecular and quantum dynamics methodology, and machine learning methods to achieve an accurate yet computationally feasible description of complex phenomena in materials and at solid/gas and solid/liquid interfaces. You will join a large, international and interdisciplinary research group that provides a collaborative and supportive environment.

• Work-Life Balance:  You have flexible working hours
• Inspiring Work Environment:  You are part of a dedicated and international team with diverse academic backgrounds, giving you plenty of room to develop your personal interests and take on responsible tasks.
• Good Public Transport Connection:  Your new workplace is easily accessible by public transport.
• Internal Training:  We continuously offer you the opportunity to deepen your skills. Choose from a wide range of free courses.
• Fair Salary:   The base salary of EUR 4.932,90 gross (for full-time employment / 14x/year) increases if we can credit professional experience.
• Employment Extent:  Up to 40 hours.
• Equal Opportunities for All:  We strive to create a fair and equitable work environment, where diversity is an asset and individuals can flourish.

It is that easy to apply:

• Scientific curriculum vitae, including links to scholarly profile and code repositories
• List of publications and presentations
• Motivation letter, which briefly outlines your research interests/plans and points out your fit to the position
• Doctoral degree certificate or confirmation of defense date
• Any further certificates of your qualifications
• Abstract of your doctoral thesis
• Contact details of two references (to be contacted by the selecting committee)