University assistant predoctoral Universität Wien

Job description:

The University of Vienna is a community of almost 11,000 individuals, including approximately 7,700 academic staff members, who passionately pursue answers to the profound questions that shape our future. Fueled by curiosity and a deep sense of duty, they contribute invaluable insights to research and teaching, enriching our society. Are you inspired and driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact? We are currently seeking a/an

University assistant predoctoral

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!

Your personal sphere of influence:

As a university assistant prae doc, you will join the Soft Matter Experiments (SoMeX) Lab (https://somexlab.github.io/) led by Prof. Roberto Cerbino. The SoMeX Lab investigates the physical principles governing the behavior of soft and biological systems, focusing on both equilibrium and non-equilibrium phenomena, from the dynamics of yield stress fluids to the collective behavior of cells and bacterial collectives.Our lab is a center for methodological innovation and provides a world-class, integrated experimental environment.Our facilities allow for the entire scientific workflow—from sample preparation in our chemistry lab and cell culture lab to advanced characterization.Our imaging suite features several microscopes, including a CrestOptics X-Light v3 spinning disk mounted on a fully-automated Nikon Ti2-E, supported by high-end sCMOS cameras (Kinetix, Andor CB2, ORCA-Flash4.0 V3) and biological incubators.For mechanical probing, we utilize our custom-built ShearView linear rheometer and an Anton Paar MCR 702e Space custom rheomicroscope.We also leverage optical tweezers, 3D printing for synthetic and biocompatible materials, and our open-sourced fastDDM code for high-throughput Differential Dynamic Microscopy (DDM).What makes us special is our collaborative spirit. We maintain an active international research network with partners in Europe (Milan, Paris, Heraklion, Fribourg, Zurich, etc.) and abroad (USA, Canada, etc.), providing a high-profile platform for your doctoral studies and the ideal conditions to build or expand your own network.

Your future tasks:

You actively participate in research, teaching & administration, which means:

• You are involved in ongoing research projects and scientific studies in the areas of soft matter physics, biophysics and active matter, with a particular focus on some of the following topics:
  •    rheology and rheo-microscopy of complex fluids and soft materials;
  •    collective behaviour of cells and bacterial systems;
  •    microscopy and image analysis of biological and soft-matter systems;
  •    Differential Dynamic Microscopy (DDM), microrheology and light scattering;
  •    development of new experimental methods and instrumentation.

• You develop and pursue an original doctoral project within the research profile of the SoMeX Lab.
• We expect you to conclude a dissertation agreement within 12–18 months.
• You work independently and continuously on your dissertation and its timely completion.
• You participate in the publication of research results in international peer-reviewed journals and present your work at conferences and workshops.
• You contribute to the preparation of grant proposals and to collaborative research activities within the lab and with our international partners.
• You hold courses independently within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement, in particular by contributing to teaching in the Faculty of Physics at the Bachelor and Master level.
• You support the supervision of Bachelor and Master students.
• You take on administrative tasks in research, teaching and administration, including participation in the organization of laboratory activities, seminars and scientific events.

This is part of your personality:

Necessary qualifications, experience and knowledge (MUST criteria):

• Completed Master’s degree or Diploma in Physics, Biophysics, Soft Matter, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• Analytical and methodological design competence: Proven ability to formulate a scientific hypothesis and design a feasible experimental strategy. This is evaluated through a conceptual research proposal (mock proposal), which must demonstrate the candidate's ability to integrate the SoMeX Lab’s core research pillars and infrastructure into a rigorous scientific plan.
• Technical literacy in advanced instrumentation: Demonstrated understanding of the physical principles underlying experimental soft matter physics (in particular rheology and advanced optical microscopy), evidenced by previous research work or the conceptual proposal.
• Quantitative data analysis skills: Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for data-intensive applications and the ability to bridge raw experimental data with physical modeling.
• Academic communication proficiency: Excellent command of written and spoken English (C1 level).

Desirable experience and knowledge (Target criteria):

• Advanced laboratory expertise: Hands-on experience with high-end or custom imaging/rheology/scattering hardware.
• Sample Preparation: Familiarity with wet-lab environments, including chemistry prep, cell culture, or microbiology protocols.
• Software Development: Experience with image-analysis frameworks and instrument control.

Most important competencies:

• Scientific autonomy: A "hands-on" mindset and the ability to independently troubleshoot complex experimental setups.
• Collaborative skills: A proactive team player who thrives in interdisciplinary, international environments.
• Reliability: Strong organizational skills and a commitment to the timely completion of a 4-year doctoral project.

What we offer:

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours and can partially work remotely. 

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 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.

Fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 3.776,10 (on a full-time basis) 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 all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

It is that easy to apply:

Please submit the following documents in English as a single PDF file:

1. Letter of Motivation: Describe your background and how your skills align with the SoMeX Lab’s focus.
2. Scientific Curriculum Vitae: Including a list of publications and a detailed description of your technical skills.
3. Academic Credentials: Copy of Master's degree certificate and transcript of records.
4. Conceptual research proposal (max. 2 pages): For evaluation purposes, please outline a mock research idea that addresses a fundamental question in soft matter or biophysics. This proposal is intended to demonstrate your ability to design an experimental approach in line with SoMeX interests. This proposal is for assessment purposes only and does not necessarily represent the project to be carried out during the PhD.
5. Evidence of scientific writing: A copy of your Master’s thesis or a representative published paper. If the file size is too large, please include a functional link to a cloud folder within the PDF.
6. References: Contact details for two academic referees.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Roberto Cerbino  

roberto.cerbino@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: 05/31/2026 

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