Senior Scientist in Numerical Astrophysics for Planetary and Stellar Atmospheres

Universität Wien

Job description:

At the University of Vienna, over 10,000 people work together on the big questions of the future. Approximately 7,500 of them are academic staff members. These are individuals who, with their curiosity and their continuous pursuit of excellence, engage in international cutting-edge research and teaching. With us, you will also find space to unfold your potential. We are looking for a/an 

Senior Scientist in Numerical Astrophysics for Planetary and Stellar Atmospheres

The position is part of the Solar System Evolution group led by Ass.-Prof. Kristina Kislyakova. The main research direction of this group consists of unraveling the evolutionary pathways of the Solar System bodies, in particular Earth, Venus, and Mars, and determining the place of the Solar System within the larger family of exoplanets.

Your working place:

The Department of Astrophysics with currently around 90 members is part of the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy at the University of Vienna. We are searching for a Senior scientist to contribute to the development of numerical codes used by the Solar System Evolution group and other groups at the department. Our ideal candidate has a scientific background in the evolution of stellar and planetary atmospheres and strong background in computational astrophysics and software development.

The job consists of two equally important parts: 1) to contribute to the research in the area of atmospheric evolution with the focus on atmospheric escape and 2) to take the lead in developing and supporting computational tools for atmospheric studies, such as finding the best solvers that can be used in the codes used by the Solar System Evolution and other groups at the department. 

The position is initially limited to 3 years with possibility to become permanent by mutual agreement. The starting date is as early as February 1st, 2026, but no later than June 1st, 2026.

Your future tasks:

Active participation in research, teaching & administration, which means:

• You build an excellent research profile in the field of planetary and stellar atmospheres, and Solar System research.
• You lead and participate in scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international meetings.
• You take the lead in the application of new computational tools, such as solvers, to the existing codes used by the group such as the hydrodynamic atmospheric codes for planetary and stellar atmospheres and particles codes.
• You contribute software expertise to other computational astrophysical groups.
• You (co-)supervise Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral students in Astronomy.
• You hold courses independently within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
• You take on administrative tasks in research and teaching as well as evaluation procedures.

This is part of your personality:

You must have:

• A completed doctoral/PhD degree in astronomy/astrophysics
• A proven track record in scientific programming in software development teams with applications to various scientific tasks
• A versatile research profile with works from different areas of astrophysics (e.g., stellar astrophysics, planetary science)
• Research competence and initiative proven through international publications in peer-relevant media
• Excellent abilities to work in a team and excellent communication skills in English

Additionally:

• Previously acquired third-party funding is desirable
• Supervision and teaching experience is an advantage
• Good organisational skills are desirable
• Presentation experience in an international setting is a benefit
• Visible scientific track record (invited talks, panel participation) is a strong asset

What we offer:

Inspiring working atmosphere: You will have the opportunity to work within a dedicated team on forefront science, while profiting from the international environment in the Department of Astrophysics. We have privileged access to the Vienna Scientific Cluster (VSC) super-computing facility. As a member state of ESO and ESA, Austria has access to their first-class observing facilities.

Good public transport connections: Your working place, the University Observatory, is located in the middle of the natural monument Observatory Park in the lively city of Vienna with outstanding public transport.

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours. Upon agreement, hybrid working hours within Austria might be possible up to a certain extent.

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: A basic gross salary of EUR 4,932,90 (on a 40h/week basis; amount as of February 1st, 2025) per month, 14 times a year, 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:

Please prepare your application as a single PDF file which includes:

• A motivation letter / letter of intent
• Your CV with a list of publications and presentations
• A statement of research interests (maximum of 3 pages)
• Doctoral/PhD degree
• Contact details of three persons who can provide a letter of recommendation
• Please apply via our job portal / Apply now button

If you have any questions, please contact:

Kristina Kislyakova  

kristina.kislyakova@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: 12/03/2025 

Apply now