Scientific project assistant predoctoral

1000scholars; Wien; Hybrid; EUR 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Partial remote work

Job summary

The University of Vienna invites applications for a Scientific project assistant predoctoral in the 52 Faculty of Chemistry. The role focuses on developing new coupled-cluster methods for strongly correlated systems and applying them to magnetic materials and catalysts, embedded in Leticia González’s group.

You will work with Dr. Pavel Pokhilko and contribute to a Merit project, attend conferences, and deepen your skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in chemistry, physics, or related field required.
• Strong written and spoken English required.
• Experience in programming and scientific computing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and extend coupled-cluster methods for strongly correlated materials and molecules.
• Apply methods to magnetic materials and catalysts.
• Engage with the research group and present findings at conferences.
• Contribute to industry-level C++ programming for simulation tools.

Skills

Programming experience

Quantum mechanics knowledge

Quantum chemistry knowledge

English proficiency

Education

MSc in chemistry, physics, or related field

Tools

C++ programming language

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. 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

Scientific project assistant predoctoral

52 Faculty of Chemistry

Startdate: 01.01.2027 | Working hours: 30 | Collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)

Reference no.: 6283

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where more than 7,700 academics thrive on curiosity in continuous exploration and help us better understand our world. Does this sound like you? Then join our accomplished team!

As a scientific project assistant prae doc, you will complement the research team around Dr. Pavel Pokhilko and work on an individual project focused on the development of new coupled-cluster methods for strongly correlated molecules and materials and the subsequent applications of the created methods to magnetic materials and catalysts. Each student will work on an individual project focused on the development of new coupled-cluster methods for strongly correlated systems. Subsequently, you will apply these methods to magnetic materials and catalysts. The team will be embedded in Prof. Leticia González’s group at the University of Vienna. You will have a unique opportunity to interact with group members working on a broad range of scientific problems, such as semiclassical nonadiabatic dynamics, quantum dynamics, photocatalysis, solvation, and other actively investigated areas.

Your future tasks:

• You actively participate in the FWF ASTRA Merit project “Coupled-Cluster Methods for Strongly Correlated Materials”. You will develop expertise in
• Development of coupled-cluster and many-body methods.
• Strong electron correlation and magnetism.
• Applications to realistic systems.
• Industry-level C++ programming.
• Attending conferences and presenting your research.
• An MSc degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, or a related field. The degree must be obtained before the start of the employment.
• Good written and spoken English. (Knowledge of German is not required.)
• Knowledge of quantum mechanics and quantum chemistry.
• Experience in programming.

We especially welcome applicants who enjoy mathematical reasoning and difficult conceptual problems.

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.

Get off to a great start in your new job: the Welcome Compass helps you settle into your new role at the University of Vienna and life in Vienna.

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

If you have any questions, please contact:

Pavel Pokhilko

[e-mail]

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: 11/30/2026