Senior Scientist

Universität Wien

Job description:

At the University of Vienna more than 10,000 personalities work together towards answering the big questions of the future. Around 7,500 of them do research and teaching, around 2,900 work in administration and organisation. We are looking for a/an

Senior Scientist

“How does a quantum object gravitate?”, “How far can we push massive objects into the quantum regime?”, “How well can we measure gravity of microscopic systems?”. Such questions and their implications for the foundations of physics are the driving force behind our research. You will be part of our team and develop new ideas, technologies and experiments to provide new insights on macroscopic quantum physics, on gravity at small scales and, in the long run, on the phenomenology of the gravity-quantum interface in table-top experiments.

Your personal sphere of play:

As a Senior Scientist (Postdoc), currently limited to 6 months with the possibility of subsequent unlimited employment, you will be part of the Aspelmeyer group, and you will be exploring macroscopic quantum phenomena using levitated solid-state platforms. The main research activities of our group include quantum optical control of levitated solid-state objects, the exploration of their quantum properties for fundamental questions and novel quantum technology platforms, as well as precision measurements of ultra-weak gravitational forces. Our main motivation is to explore the interface between quantum physics and gravity with new experimental platforms.

Our team is part of the Quantum Optics, Quantum Nanophysics and Quantum Information group of the Faculty of Physics.
We are a 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.

The Aspelmeyer group explores the interface between quantum physics and gravity in experiments, in particular involving quantum objects as sources of gravity. On the quantum side, we explore the extreme regime of motional quantum states of solids and their interactions to understand how to maximize mass, delocalization, and coherence time in quantum experiments. On the gravity side, we explore the extreme regime of gravitational phenomena of miniature source masses to understand how to isolate gravity from all other interactions on a microscopic scale. Together with colleagues from theory we try to formulate meaningful questions that help to establish decisive experimental tests of the quantum nature of gravity.

Your future tasks:

Active participation in research, teaching & administration, which means:
•    You build up an independent research profile in the field of levitated quantum optomechanics.
•    You are involved in research projects and scientific studies in the area of macroscopic quantum phenomena and quantum control of solids.
•    You publish internationally and give lectures.
•    You apply for projects and raise third-party funds.
•    You hold courses independently within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
•    You supervise your students.
•    You participate in evaluation measures and in quality assurance.
•    You take on administrative tasks in research, teaching and administration.

This is part of your personality:

•    Completed doctoral/PhD studies in subject quantum optics
•    Outstanding dissertation
•    Research competence and initiative proven through international publications in peer-relevant media
•    Experience in research management and in leading project staff
•    Didactic skills / experience in e-learning
•    IT skills and excellent laboratory skills in the field of classical and quantum optics, in particular related to electro- or magneto-optical quantum control of levitated solids
•    Knowledge: experimental experience with macroscopic quantum phenomena, including quantum optomechanics and its applications, matter-wave interferometry, AMO physics, quantum control of trapped solids, is a significant advantage
•    Excellent knowledge of English (C1) / other foreign language
•    Team player and high social/communicative skills

What we offer:

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible 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.

Fixed-term contract and fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 4.932,90 (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:

• With your scientific curriculum vitae / letter of intent
• With your list of publications
• With your summary of research interests (max. 1 p.)
• Doctoral Degree 
• Contact details of persons who could provide referece letters
• Via our  job portal/ Apply now -  button

If you have any content questions, please contact:

Markus Aspelmeyer

markus.aspelmeyer@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 lay special emphasis on increasing the number of women in senior and in academic positions among the academic and general university staff and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.

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Application deadline: 01/06/2026 

Apply now