University Assistant Predoctoral/ PhD Candidate, Physics

University of Vienna; Wien; Vor Ort; EUR 190.000 - 200.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Inspiring working atmosphere

Good public transport connections

Potential for development

Internal training & Coaching

Fair salary

Equal opportunities for everyone

Zusammenfassung

University of Vienna is seeking a university assistant (praedoc) in the Quantum Information and Quantum Many‑Body Physics group. The role spans theoretical physics and computational methods with access to top research networks in Vienna.

You will join an interdisciplinary team, contribute to a dissertation plan within 12–18 months, and have opportunities for teaching, publications, and outreach in a vibrant European research hub.

Qualifikationen

• Master’s degree in physics with excellent grades in theoretical physics.
• Proven expertise in theoretical high‑energy physics, quantum field theory and quantum information.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Didactic competence and ability to work with students.
• Open to outreach activities.
• Team player with social competence.
• Self‑motivated and able to work independently.
• Willing to participate in scientific discourse.

Aufgaben

• Research at the interface between Quantum Information and Quantum Many‑Body Physics, including high‑energy physics problems.
• Stay informed about the state of the art in the field.
• Present your research plan to the faculty and complete a dissertation agreement within 12–18 months.
• Work on your dissertation focusing on high‑energy physics and quantum information.
• Contribute to teaching such as lab courses or exercise classes.
• Disseminate results through publications and conference presentations; engage in outreach.
• Take on administrative tasks in research and teaching.

Kenntnisse

Theoretical physics research

English proficiency

Teaching / didactics

Team collaboration

Independent working

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in physics (theoretical)

Bachelor’s degree in physics

Jobbeschreibung

• 48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) Limited until: 31.10.2030 Reference no.: 6201

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. We are looking for a/an

University assistant predoctoral/ PhD Candidate

51 Faculty of Physics

Startdate: 01.11.2026 | Working hours: 30 | Collective bargaining agreement: 48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) Limited until: 31.10.2030 Reference no.: 6201

Are you interested in the study of problems in quantum many‑body physics through the lens of quantum information and quantum computing? Do you enjoy studying complex quantum mechanical systems both from a physical and a mathematical perspective? Are you an innovative and productive team player who enjoys being part of an interdisciplinary team that works on cutting‑edge questions ranging from mathematics and theoretical physics all the way to numerical simulation algorithms?

Your Personal Sphere Of Influence

As a university assistant (praedoc) on this 4-year position you will be part of the “Quantum Information and Quantum Many-Body Physics” group, led by Prof. Norbert Schuch. Our research lies at the interface of Quantum Information and Computation with the study of Complex Quantum Many-Body Systems. For this, we apply a combination of methods from both Physics and Mathematics, complemented by concepts from Theoretical Computer Science.

Our research group is located jointly at the Faculty of Physics – as part of the Quantum Science Group – and at the Faculty of Mathematics. Furthermore, we are a member of the Vienna Center for Quantum Science and Technology (VCQ), one of the largest quantum hubs in Europe, and of the Austrian Cluster of Excellence quantA, which aims at advancing basic research in quantum sciences, expanding the frontiers of knowledge, and thus driving future innovations.

As a doctoral candidate, you will also benefit from becoming a member of either the Vienna Doctoral School in Physics (VDSP) or the Vienna School of Mathematics (VSM).

As a team, we understand the importance of a positive, inclusive, and respectful working environment, and we regularly exchange ideas about current topics and projects in our group meetings. More information about our research areas and our team can be found on our homepage at https://schuch.univie.ac.at/. The start of the contract is November 1st, 2026 or later. The exact starting date is negotiable.

Your Future Tasks

• You conduct research at the interface between Quantum Information and Quantum Many‐Body Physics, where the focus of your research will lie on problems at the interface of high‑energy physics and quantum information and entanglement.
• You continuously stay informed about the state of the art in your field.
• You 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 work on your dissertation project and towards its timely completion. The focus of the dissertation project will be on the study of problems in high‑energy physics, in particular quantum field theories and gauge theories, through the lens of quantum information and entanglement.
• You contribute to teaching, such as lab courses or exercise classes, within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
• You contribute to the dissemination of your results through publications and conference presentations and engage in outreach activities aimed at the general public.
• You take on administrative tasks in research, teaching, and administration.

This Is Part Of Your Personality

• You must have completed your Master’s degree in physics with excellent grades, and with a focus on theoretical physics. In particular, you must have conducted a Master’s thesis in the field of theoretical physics.
• You must possess proven expertise in performing theoretical research in the fields of theoretical high‑energy physics and quantum field theory as well as theoretical quantum information, as proven through a successful Master’s and Bachelor’s Thesis, as well as through successful exams in relevant lecture courses.
• You must have an excellent command of written and spoken English.
• You should demonstrate didactic competence and a positive attitude towards interactions with students.
• You are open towards participating in outreach activities.
• You show social competence and the ability to work effectively in a team.
• You are self‑motivated, eager to grow, and capable of working independently.
• You are looking forward to new tasks and are willing to participate actively in scientific discourse.

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 Schools 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 p.w., 14x p.a.) increases if we can credit professional experience. The duration of employment 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

Norbert Schuch

[e-mail]

University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.

Data protection

Application deadline: 10/02/2026

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