University assistant predoctoral

Are you intrigued by challenges at the forefront of research? Are you passionate about science and the way of living as an experimental scientist? Do you want to contribute to pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge? Are you a team player who loves to discuss science and to develop new technologies in the laboratory? Then you should consider becoming a member of the Quantum Nanophysics team.

Your personal sphere of influence:

As a university assistant (praedoc) on this 4-year position, you will be part of the ambitious quantum nanophysics team around Professor Markus Arndt, and you will be focusing on pushing the boundaries and exploring applications of universal matter-wave interferometry with massive clusters.
We are working on experiments at the interface between quantum and classical physics as well as between quantum and materials science. We develop universal matter-wave interferometry in the limit of high mass and high complexity, with nanobiological materials, dielectrics and metal clusters. We develop novel tools for quantum force sensing, mass spectrometry and cluster and molecular science.
Our Team is part of the Quantum Optics, Quantum Nanophysics and Quantum Information group of the Faculty of Physics.
We are member of the Vienna Center for Quantum Science and Technology (VCQ), one of the largest quantum hubs in Europe, and of the Austrian Cluster of Excellence (quantA), advancing basic research in quantum sciences, aiming to expand the frontiers of knowledge and thus being the engine for future innovations.
You will also benefit from being fellow of the Vienna Doctoral School in Physics (VDSP), being part of a thriving community with more than 100 quantum scientists on premise, about 300 quantum researchers in Vienna.
The Arndt team unites an international team of around 15 young scientists (Master, PhD, Postdoc) which love to solve challenges and working together. Together we have assembled a unique skill set and knowledge base in quantum interferometry, molecular science, opto-mechanics, quantum sensing, particle beam methods, laser technology and more.  Working with us means learning something new every day – all of us, from bachelor student to professor.

Your future tasks:

You will actively participate in research, teaching & administration. This means:
•    You are involved in a specific and well-funded research project, here focused demonstrating and exploiting the matter-wave nature of massive clusters from metals and/or dielectrics.
•    You will present your research plan to the faculty and complete a dissertation agreement within 12-18 months. This will be reviewed and adapted on an annual basis.
•    You will work on your dissertation and towards its completion in time. We expect a large degree of independence paired with a high level of social awareness as the goal will only be achieved in a team.
•    You will contribute to teaching (lab courses, exercise classes) within the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
•    You will fill some administrative tasks, contributing to the success and self-organization of the group for research, teaching and administration.
•    You will continuously stay informed about the state of the art in your field.
•    You contribute to outreach by publications, conference presentations and public activities.

This is part of your personality:

•    You have completed your Master's degree or Diploma in physics.
•    You have experience in academic writing
•    You should ideally come with a background in matter-wave research, quantum theory, experimental quantum optics, free clusters physics and laser science, vacuum technology
•    You should have experience with the usual tools for advanced experiments: CAD software, building of experimental equipment, Matlab or Python etc.
•    You have an excellent command of written and spoken English

What we offer:

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment.

Potential for development: Success in life depends on what you make of it, but if you are ambitious and successful, there are plenty of opportunities to connect you to all relevant top research groups in the world.

Internal further training & Coaching: The Vienna Doctoral School as well as the department of human resources offer plenty of opportunities to grow your skills in over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.

Fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 2.457,00  (30h, 14x p.a.) increases if we can credit professional experience.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.

Equal opportunities for everyone: We look forward to diverse personalities in the team!

It is that easy to apply:

•    Your scientific curriculum vitae  & Motivation Letter
•    A summary of your previous academic and research achievements. Tell us what you’re proud of.
•    A short statement on your research interests for the future. Tell us what you dream about, scientifically.
•    Your Bachelor’s and Master‘s degree: an excellent academic degree is a good entrance statement for this position.