University Assistant Predoctoral/PhD Candidate, Physics

University of Vienna; Wien; On-site; EUR 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Inspiring atmosphere

Public transport access

Internal training & coaching

Fair salary

Job summary

The University of Vienna invites applications for a University assistant predoctoral/PhD Candidate in the Quantum Information Science and Quantum Computation group. The position, linked to a funded project, supports doctoral research in quantum optics with access to a large international team and the Vienna Doctoral School in Physics.

You will develop new ideas, work with photonic quantum technologies, and produce high-impact research while teaching and engaging with collaborations across the

Qualifications

• Completed Master’s or Diploma in Physics with thesis in experimental quantum optics.
• Experience with table-top experiments, photonic platforms and optical nonlinear processes.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Engage in a funded research project on experimental studies of quantum foundations.
• Present research plan to faculty and finalize a dissertation agreement within 12–18 months.
• Contribute to teaching activities (lab courses, exercises) under collective bargaining.
• Handle administrative tasks to support the group’s research, teaching and administration.
• Stay updated on state-of-the-art developments in quantum information science.
• Contribute to outreach via publications, conference presentations and public activities.

Skills

Table-top experiments

Photonic platforms

Optical non-linear processes

Quantum foundations

Python programming

LaTeX

English proficiency

Education

Master's degree or Diploma in Physics

Tools

Python

LaTeX

Job description

University assistant predoctoral/PhD Candidate

At the University of Vienna almost 11,000 personalities work together towards answering the big questions of the future. Around 7,700 of them do research and teaching, around 3,000 work in administration and organisation.

51 Faculty of Physics

Startdate: 01.12.2026 | Working hours: 30

Collective bargaining agreement

• 48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) Limited until: 30.11.2030 Reference no.: 6382

How can we perform table-top experiments to obtain new insights into the foundations of quantum physics? Can we measure gravitational effects on entangled photons for shining light onto the interface of quantum physics and gravity? Can we exploit quantum photonics technology for novel quantum machine learning, quantum computing and quantum cybersecurity applications? Can we scale up multiphoton platforms by using integrated optics, quantum-dot single-photon sources and customized two-dimensional nonlinear materials? Such questions are the driving force behind our research. You will be part of our team and develop new ideas, technologies and experiments.

Your Personal Field Of Activity

As a university assistant (PraeDoc) on this 4-year position, you will be part of the research group “Quantum Information Science and Quantum Computation”, led by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Philip Walther.

The group is part of the Quantum Science group 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. The main activities range from quantum control of single photons using solid-state photon sources, integrated waveguide technology, tailored nonlinear media and detectors based on superconductor technology to interferometric precision measurements of weak gravitational forces.

You will also benefit from being a fellow of the Vienna Doctoral School in Physics (VDSP), being part of a thriving community with more than 100 quantum scientists on the premises and about 300 quantum researchers in Vienna.

The Walther Group unites an international team of scientists who are passionate about research in quantum optics, quantum information and quantum technologies. Our 40 researchers, from undergraduate students and PhD candidates to postdocs, are working together on mostly experimental topics in small subgroups. Teamwork is a key factor to our group’s success. Together we have assembled a unique skill set and knowledge base in quantum information, quantum computation, quantum communication, quantum foundations as well as the quantum‑gravity interface.

Your Future Tasks

• You are involved in a specific and well‑funded research project dedicated to experimental studies of quantum foundations.
• 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 contribute to teaching (lab courses, exercise classes) within the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
• You will fill some administrative tasks, contributing to the success and self‑organization of the group for research, teaching and administration.
• You will continuously stay informed about the state of the art in your field.
• You will contribute to outreach by publications, conference presentations and public activities.

This Is Part Of Your Personality

• You have completed your Master's degree or Diploma in Physics and written your thesis in the field of experimental quantum optics.
• You have experience with table‑top experiments, photonic platforms and optical non‑linear processes and quantum foundations.
• You should have experience in free‑space bulk optics.
• You have experience in academic writing.
• You should have experience with programming in Python, and knowledge of LaTeX.
• You have excellent command of written and spoken English.

What We Offer

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 in the center of beautiful Vienna is easily accessible by public transport.

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 (full‑time basis, 14x p.a.) 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 everyone: We look forward to diverse personalities in the team!

If You Have Any Content Questions, Please Contact

Philip Walther

[e-mail]

University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.

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.

Application deadline: 11/15/2026

Prae Doc