University assistant predoctoral/PhD Candidate Experimental Quantum Communication

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

University assistant predoctoral/PhD Candidate Experimental Quantum Communication

We invite you to join the Operational Quantum Information Team (Dakić Group) to work on topics in quantum information and quantum technologies, with a special focus on experimental quantum communication.

Your personal sphere of influence:

As a university assistant (praedoc) in this 4-year position, you will be part of the Operational Quantum Information Team around Professor Borivoje Dakić. 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. You will also benefit from being a fellow of the Vienna Doctoral School in Physics (VDSP), being part of a thriving community with more than 100 quantum scientists on premises and about 300 quantum researchers in Vienna.
The Dakić group is an international team of young scientists (Master / PhD / Postdoc). Our expertise lies in quantum foundations, quantum information theory and quantum technologies.
For additional information, please visit: https://dakic.univie.ac.at/.

Your future tasks:

You will actively participate in research, teaching and administration. This means:
•    You are involved in a well-funded research project on the advertised research topic.
•    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 fulfil some administrative tasks, contributing to the success and self-organization of the group in research, teaching and administration.
•    You will continuously stay informed about the state of the art in your field.
•    You will contribute to outreach by publications, conference presentations and public activities.

This is part of your personality:

We expect a strong candidate with the following requirements:
• You have completed your Master’s degree or Diploma in Physics, ideally with a focus on experimental quantum optics.
• Experience with building single-photon sources and quantum communication systems (highly desirable).
• Experience in experimental quantum optics and interferometry, including laser optimisation and alignment of complex optical systems (highly desirable).
• You have an excellent command of written and spoken English.

What we offer:

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are 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.
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 in quantum information, quantum technologies and quantum communication.
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 (full-time basis, 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:

Please send us:

• Your scientific curriculum vitae.
• A statement on your research interests for the future (motivation letter), with particular emphasis on your experience in building single-photon sources and quantum communication systems, and experimental quantum optics and interferometry.
• Contact information of two referees.
• Your Bachelor’s and Master‘s degree certificates and transcripts.

If you have any content questions, please contact:

Borivoje Dakic

borivoje.dakic@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 (MM-DD-YYYY)

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