University assistant predoctoral/PhD Candidate

Universität Wien; Wien; Vor Ort; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading university in Austria seeks a Senior Scientist in Experimental Quantum Machine Learning. This role involves conducting innovative research in quantum physics, managing academic projects, and engaging in teaching. Ideal candidates will have a PhD and over 3 years of postdoc experience. The position offers a competitive salary of EUR 4,932.90/month and opportunities for professional development in a collaborative environment.

Leistungen

Flexible working hours

Climate neutrality

Company pension fund

Internal training and coaching

Qualifikationen

• Postdoctoral experience over 3 years in experimental quantum photonics.
• Expertise in multi-photon processing for quantum machine learning.
• Proven research competence through international publications.

Aufgaben

• Develop and strengthen an independent research profile.
• Involve in research projects and studies.
• Publish and present internationally.
• Manage project applications and funding.
• Supervise bachelor, master, and PhD candidates.
• Participate in quality assurance and evaluation.
• Contribute to departmental administration.

Kenntnisse

Independent research profile

Teaching competence

Ability to publish internationally

Oral and written communication

IT proficiency

Collaborative work

Ausbildung

PhD in physics

Tools

Quantum photonics technology

Integrated optics

Jobbeschreibung

Senior Scientist in Experimental Quantum Machine Learning

Faculty of Physics, University of Vienna

Job vacancy starting: 02/01/2026

Working hours: 40 hours per week. Classification: CBA §48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc). Job ID: 4940.

Limited contract: 1 year (until 02/01/2027) with possibility of subsequent unlimited employment.

Application deadline: 11/28/2025.

Your personal sphere of play

The research group "Quantum Information Science and Quantum Computation", led by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Philip Walther, is part of the Quantum Optics, Quantum Nanophysics & Quantum Information at the Faculty of Physics and a member of the Vienna Center for Quantum Science and Technology (VCQ) – one of the largest quantum hubs in Europe – and the Austrian Cluster of Excellence quanta. The group’s research combines the development of scalable photonic quantum technology for quantum computing and other quantum information applications with the investigation of fundamental quantum science questions. Activities include quantum control of single photons using solid‑state photon sources, integrated waveguide technology, tailored nonlinear media and superconducting single‑photon detectors, as well as interferometric precision measurements of weak gravitational forces.

We are looking for a Senior Scientist to support research on experimental quantum machine learning. The role focuses on:

• Developing and performing table‑top experiments for new insights into the foundations of quantum physics.
• Measuring gravitational effects on entangled photons and exploring the interface of quantum physics and gravity.
• Exploring quantum photonics technology for novel quantum machine learning, quantum computing and quantum cybersecurity applications.
• Scaling-up multi‑photon platforms via integrated optics, quantum‑dot single‑photon sources and customized two‑dimensional nonlinear materials.

Responsibilities

Active participation in research, teaching & administration, which includes:

• Developing and strengthening an independent research profile.
• Being involved in research projects and studies.
• Publishing internationally and giving presentations.
• Managing project applications and acquiring third‑party funding.
• Holding courses independently as defined by the collective agreement.
• (Co‑)supervising bachelor, master and PhD candidates and proposing related projects.
• Participating in evaluation measures and quality assurance.
• Contributing to department administration and research administration.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (PhD) in physics or an equivalent qualification.
• Postdoctoral experience of more than 3 years in experimental quantum photonics and quantum computation.
• Profound expertise in integrated quantum photonics, multi‑photon processing for quantum machine learning, and/or quantum neuromorphic computing.
• Research competence and initiative proven through international publications in peer‑reviewed, subject‑relevant journals.
• Didactic competence and motivation to teach and communicate knowledge to students.
• High ability to express yourself orally and in writing.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• IT proficiency and ability to work independently and collaboratively, handling several concurrent fast‑paced projects.

What we offer

• Work‑life balance: Flexible working hours, family‑friendly arrangement, and the possibility to work partially in a home office.
• Inspiring working atmosphere: International team with excellent research infrastructure in a relaxed environment.
• Good public transport connections: The workplace is easily accessible by public transport.
• Climate neutrality – sustainability: The University of Vienna aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2030 through sustainable procurement and resource‑saving measures.
• Fixed‑term contract and adequate salary: Base salary of EUR 4,932.90 per month (12 months) on a full‑time basis before taxes, determined by experience and qualification.
• Internal training and coaching: Ongoing opportunities to deepen skills through free courses.
• Benefits: Company pension fund, travel allowances, low‑cost parking, discounts for IT, health care, vaccination campaigns, fitness offers, and various employee discounts.

Application process

Please prepare your application which includes:

• Letter of motivation
• Academic CV (including lists of publications, courses, and talks)
• Description of research interests and research agenda
• Contact details of two referees who can provide reference letters

Submit your application via our job portal – myScience.at – and reference JobID 47803.

Contact

Philip Walther
[e-mail]

Equal opportunity

The University of Vienna has an anti‑discriminatory employment policy and promotes equal opportunities, the advancement of women and diversity. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to female candidates given equal qualifications.