Praedoc (Diss) (f/m/x) - YRP PhD Positions 2026

Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften - ÖAW; Graz; On-site; EUR 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

The Space Research Institute (IWF) Graz, part of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, invites applications for Praedoc (Diss) PhD positions starting Feb 1, 2027. The call covers interdisciplinary space science, including exoplanets and space instrumentation, with a strong collaborative network at Graz universities and IWF in Graz.

Successful candidates hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field by start date; a minimum three-year appointment is planned, with a minimum annual gross salary of EUR

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in the relevant science fields.
• Experience in astrophysics or related research is beneficial.
• Strong coding and scientific publishing record.

Skills

Teamwork

Computational coding

Scientific publishing

Astrophysics knowledge

Education

Master’s degree in physics, astrophysics, geoscience, computational chemistry, electrical engineering, or equivalent

Job description

IWF Graz. Leading Austria into Space. Since 1971

The Space Research Institute (IWF) with about 100 employees from twenty nations, is one of the largest institutes of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW). The institute is located in the Victor Franz Hess Research Center of the OeAW in Graz and hosts eight research groups on the astrophysics of the solar system, exoplanets, and space instrumentation. The IWF also operates a world-leading satellite laser ranging station at the Lustbühel Observatory.

Praedoc (Diss) (f/m/x) - YRP PhD Positions 2026

in interdisciplinary space science and planetary research, including exoplanet research, astrochemistry, space plasma research, solar and heliospheric physics, as well as technology development. YRP @ Graz is a collaboration between the IWF, the Graz University of Technology, and the University of Graz.

Your Tasks

Details on the PhD projects offered in this call can be found here:

We seek excellent candidates with a strong background in natural sciences. Successful candidates must hold a Master’s degree in physics, astrophysics, geoscience, computational chemistry, electrical engineering, or equivalent at the latest by the starting date of the position but preferably at the time of application. Previous experience on aspects of astrophysics and related fields, and a track record of team work will be beneficial for the selection, as will experience in computational coding and scientific publishing.

Our Offer

The appointment can begin as early as February 1, 2027 , and will aim for minimum of three years. The minimum annual gross salary for this position is EUR 53.140,92 (full-time based), in accordance with the collective agreement of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW). For part-time employment, the salary will be adjusted on a pro rata basis in line with the agreed working hours.

The Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) pursues a non-discriminatory employment policy and values equal opportunities, as well as diversity. Individuals from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

Praedoc (Diss) (f/m/x) - YRP PhD Positions 2026

in interdisciplinary space science and planetary research, including exoplanet research, astrochemistry, space plasma research, solar and heliospheric physics, as well as technology development. YRP @ Graz is a collaboration between the IWF, the Graz University of Technology, and the University of Graz.