Senior Scientist

Universität Wien

Job description:

At the University of Vienna almost 11,000 personalities work together towards answering the big questions of the future. Around 7,700  of them do research and teaching, around 3,000 work in administration and organisation. We are looking for a/an

Senior Scientist

How can we perform table-top experiments to obtain new insights into the foundations of quantum physics? Can we measure gravitational effects on entangled photons for shining light onto the interface of quantum physics and gravity? Can we exploit quantum photonics technology for novel quantum machine learning, quantum computing and quantum cybersecurity applications? Can we scale-up multiphoton platforms by using integrated optics, quantum-dot single-photon sources and customized two-dimensional nonlinear materials? Such questions are the driving force behind our research. You will be part of our team and develop new ideas, technologies and experiments.

Your personal field of activity:

The research group “Quantum Information Science and Quantum Computation”, led by Univ.- Prof. Dr. Philip Walther, is part of the Quantum Optics, Quantum Nanophysics & Quantum Information group at the Faculty of Physics and member of the Vienna Center for Quantum Science and Technology (VCQ) – one of the largest quantum hubs in Europe – and the Austrian Cluster of Excellence quanta. The group’s research combines the development of scalable photonic quantum technology for quantum computing and other quantum information applications with the investigation of fundamental quantum science questions. The main activities reach from quantum control of single photons using solid-state photon sources, integrated waveguide technology, tailored nonlinear media and detectors based on superconductor technology to interferometric precision measurements of weak gravitational forces.
For our further reinforcement we are looking for a Senior Scientist that supports in particular the research on optical quantum interferometry in weak gravitational fields. The position is currently limited to 1 year with the possibility of subsequent unlimited employment. 

Your future tasks:

Active participation in research, teaching & administration, which means:
•    You develop and strengthen an independent research profile.
•    You are involved in research projects/research studies.
•    You publish internationally and give presentations.
•    You are responsible for project applications and the acquisition of third-party funding.
•    You hold courses independently as defined by the collective agreement.
•    You (co-)supervise bachelor, master, and PhD students, and you independently propose bachelor, master, and PhD projects to this end.
•    You participate in evaluation measures and quality assurance.
•    You are involved in the department administration as well as in teaching and research administration.

This is part of your personality:

•    You have completed a Doctoral degree/PhD degree in physics 
•    You have an outstanding dissertation
•    You have more than 3 years’ experience as a Postdoctoral researcher in experimental quantum photonics and high precision optical fiber interferometry
•    You have profound expertise in fiber optics, gravitational physics and quantum photonics, especially quantum interferometry
•    Your research competence and initiative are proven through international publications (in renowned, subject-relevant media, peer-reviewed, depending on the professional standards). 
•    You have a high ability to express yourself clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing 
•    You have excellent command of written and spoken English 
•    You ideally have teaching experience and are motivated to communicate knowledge to students
•    You ideally have experience with Python and Mathematica
•    You ideally have experience with superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors 
•    You ideally have experience in project applications 
•    You have the ability to work independently and collaboratively and handle several concurrent, fast-paced projects

What we offer:

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours, remote/hybrid (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 5.014,30 (14 times a year for senior scientists postdoctoral) increases if we can credit professional experience.

Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

It is that easy to apply:

•    Letter of motivation 
•    Academic curriculum vitae (including a list of publications, a list of courses taught and a list of talks given) 
•    Description of research interests and research agenda 
•    Doctoral degree
•    Contact details of 2 people who could provide a letter of reference

Via our job portal/ Apply now -  button

If you have any content questions, please contact:

Philip Walther

philip.walther@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.

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Application deadline: 02/26/2026 

Apply now