University assistant predoctoral/PhD Candidate

Universität Wien

Job description:

The University of Vienna is a community of over 10,000 individuals, including approximately 7,500 academic staff members, who passionately pursue answers to the profound questions that shape our future. They represent individuals driven by curiosity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With us, they find the space to try things out and unfold their potential. Are you inspired by their passion and determination? We are currently seeking a/an

University assistant predoctoral/PhD Candidate

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 Tailored Hybrid Structures team.

About the research group:

The Tailored Hybrid Structures (THS) group, led by Prof. Paola Ayala, is internationally recognized for pioneering research in low-dimensional carbon materials from a spectroscopy perspective. Our team has established expertise in the synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of filled and substitutionally modified carbon heteronanotubes and related nanomaterials.

We are at an exciting juncture in our research trajectory, expanding beyond our traditional strengths to explore high-impact applications in biological systems and environmental science. This evolution creates exceptional opportunities for innovative PhD researchers to help shape new research directions while building on our established foundation of excellence.

As part of our collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment, you'll join a team that values creativity, diverse perspectives, and individual expertise. We believe that your unique background and fresh ideas will not only contribute to our collective success but will also be instrumental in driving the group's expanding research portfolio.

What makes our group special:

• Strong international reputation and extensive collaborative network
• Access to advanced spectroscopy and nanofabrication facilities
• Culture of intellectual freedom and creative problem-solving
• Expanding research horizons with real-world impact in biology and environmental applications
• Supportive mentorship focused on your professional development

Your creativity, experience, and capabilities aren't just welcome here - they're essential to our mission of pushing the boundaries of nanomaterials research.

Your personal sphere of influence:

As university assistant (pre-doc) you will join Prof. Paola Ayala's research group. Within this 4-year position, you will be immersed in cutting-edge materials science research. This position offers you a unique platform to shape your academic career while contributing to groundbreaking discoveries in nanomaterials.

The group has a traditionally strong focus on hybrid carbon nanostructured materials, but you will also explore transition metal-dichalcogenide based systems, which are among the most exciting materials currently studied. As a PhD researcher, you will drive innovation in spectroscopy-based characterization of nanostructured materials, transforming your existing expertise into creative scientific solutions. Your work will span the full spectrum of materials research, from synthesis to advanced characterization, giving you comprehensive hands-on experience with state-of-the-art instrumentation including Raman and Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Scanning Probe Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Photoemission systems. Beyond your research, you'll develop as a well-rounded academic professional through teaching opportunities and administrative experience, while building your network through potential involvement in organizing scientific conferences and symposia. This position is designed to cultivate your growth as an independent researcher while providing the support and resources needed to excel in your doctoral journey.

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.

Your future tasks:

You will actively participate in research, teaching & administration. This means:

• Your research will be focused on the nanospectroscopic analysis of 1D and 2D materials made from carbon or transition metal dichalcogenides.   
• You will conduct independent experimental research related to synthesis and spectroscopy, with the freedom to apply your creativity and previous knowledge.
• 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, supported by dedicated mentorship. We expect a large degree of independence paired with a high level of team spirit.
• You will continuously stay informed about the state of the art in your field.
• You will contribute to teaching (lab courses, exercise classes), both in teams and independently, within the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
• You will engage with the broader scientific community as well as contribute to outreach through publications, conference presentations, collaborative events and public activities.
• You will help the group with minor administrative tasks, contributing to the success of the group for research, teaching and outreach.

This is part of your personality:

• Master's degree or Diploma in physics, physical chemistry, materials science or a related field.
• Basic experience in academic writing.
• We welcome hands-on experience with Raman Spectroscopy.
• Experience with Scanning Electron Microscopy and/or Focused Ion Beam is highly desirable (not compulsory).
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Basic use of German would be useful but not compulsory.
• You are a team player.
• You have didactic competences.

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 3,776.10 (on a full-time basis, 14x p.a.) increases if we can credit professional experience.

A PhD project: A project related to cutting-edge research in the fields of materials science and physical properties of new materials.

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible, family-friendly working hours.

A city with an outstanding life quality: Vienna has been chosen several times as the most livable city world-wide, with a rich culture, numerous recreational opportunities and beautiful nature surroundings.

Good public transport connections: Your workplace in the center of Vienna is easily accessible by public transport.

Equal opportunities for everyone: We look forward to diverse personalities in the team!

It is that easy to apply:

Please apply through this system by clicking "apply now". Submit the following documents:

• Your academic 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.
• Letter of motivation summarizing your research interests (1 page max.).
• Degree certificates.
• At least one reference letter (from your supervisors).

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.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Paola Ayala  

paola.ayala@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.

University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.

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​Application deadline: 02/20/2026 (MM-DD-YYYY)

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