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!

Are you intrigued by challenges at the forefront of research? Are you passionate about science and the way of living as a scientist with experimental focus? 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 cutting edge technologies in the laboratory? Then you should consider becoming a member of the Low Dimensional Quantum Solids team.

Your personal sphere of influence:

As a university assistant (praedoc) on this 4-year position, you will be part of the ambitious Low Dimensional Quantum solids team around Professor Thomas Pichler, and you will be focusing on the nanospectroscopic analysis of layered 2D materials such as transition metal dichacegonides. This includes the development of new advanced experimental tools involving optical spectroscopy (IR, Raman and PL) as well as electron spectroscopy (TEM-EELS, Photoemission) and microscopy (MORE-TEM).
We are working on the development of new techniques to advance the state of the art experimental developments approaching the Heisenberg limit with respect to the required combined high spatial, energy & momentum (q)-resolution for microscopic imaging, structural characterization and associated nanospectroscopic analysis at all energy scales. This enables us to investigate dispersion and lifetime of primary excitations (e.g. phonons, plasmons & excitons) in nanomaterials including molecules, 1D nanotubes, 2D materials, heterostructures with a few nm of lateral resolution on samples as thin as an atomic monolayer. This facilitates the control on quantum phases, like charge-density waves and superconductivity, to engineer new materials for energy (e.g. batteries, (opto-)electronic devices in electrons).
You will also benefit from being a fellow of the Vienna Doctoral School in Physics (VDSP) which connects you with the local PhD community, offers plenty of opportunities to grow your skills, and supports you in networking with the international scientific community.
Our team is member of the Vienna Doctoral School in Physics and of the faculty research group Electronic Properties of Materials. The work will be also related to the ERC-Syn Project MORE-TEM and in an international cooperation to the OVID (Osaka-Vienna International Development) laboratory. You will be part of a thriving community at the Faculty of Physics of Vienna University which is ranked number 20 in Europe and number 48 in the world (2023 Global Shanghai Ranking of Academic Subjects, https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/gras/2023/RS0102). The Pichler team unites an international team of around 10 young scientists which love to solve challenges and working together. Together we have assembled a unique skill set and knowledge base in solid state physics and nanospectroscopy including cutting edge methods development (e.g. MORE-TEM) and advanced synthesis and functionalization of low dimensional advanced materials such as graphene, nanotubes, carbyne TMDC.  Working with us means getting a broad education in understanding novel low dimensional advanced materials, exploring the scientific frontiers towards accessing their application potential by solving unexplored challenges.

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 on the nanospectroscopic analysis of layered 2D materials such as transition metal dichacegonides.  
•    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 have experience in digital experimental control and scientific data processing.
•    You have already a background in solid state spectroscopy and material science.
•    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 3,714.80 (on a full-time basis, 14x p.a.; salary valorisation valid from 01 February 2025 already included) 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. 
•    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.

Note, that while a Master’s degree is the usual legal prerequisite for a PhD position at the University of Vienna, we can consider Bachelors (preferentially with Honor’s) in exceptional cases, too.