University assistant predoctoral - Vienna Network for Atmospheric Research (VINAR)

Academics; Wien; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International academic environment

Excellent public transport access

Internal training & coaching (600++/-)

Job summary

University of Vienna is seeking a pre-doc university assistant for a 4-year position in the Aerosol Physics and Environmental Physics Group under Professor Bernadett Weinzierl. The role focuses on characterizing atmospheric aerosols at the Aerosol Observatory and Sonnblick Observatory, aiming to relate optical and microphysical properties to urban vs remote environments.

You will develop your dissertation within 12–18 months and contribute to teaching and outreach.

Qualifications

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in physics and/or aerosol-related topics such as atmospheric sciences, aerosol chemistry, meteorology, or similar.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English (C1 or higher).
• Affinity for practical work; experience in experimental/technical work.

Responsibilities

• Active participation in research, teaching & administration.
• Set up, characterize, maintain and operate ACTRIS instrumentation (Aethalometer, Nephelometer, APS).
• Process, analyze and interpret aerosol data relating to microphysical and optical properties.
• Collaborate within VINAR, GeoSphere Austria, and the University of Vienna department colleagues.
• Contribute to teaching (lab courses) and outreach via publications and conferences.

Skills

English (C1+)

Python programming

Lab work / experimental skills

Team player

Driving license

Education

Master's degree in physics or aerosol-related topics

Tools

Aethalometer

Nephelometer

Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS)

Job description

Your personal sphere of influence

As a pre-doc university assistant in this 4-year position, you will be part of the Aerosol Physics and Environmental Physics Group around Professor Bernadett Weinzierl. The overall aim of this position is the characterization of the atmospheric aerosol collected at the Aerosols Observatory of the University of Vienna, which is in the process of becoming a National Facility within the pan-European Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure ACTRIS, and comparison to the aerosol data measured at the Sonnblick Observatory, Austria. Specifically, you will focus on the determination of optical and microphysical properties of atmospheric aerosols measured at these two stations, one representing urban background environment, and the other one, remote atmosphere at 3100 m in altitude. The position is offered within the Vienna Network for Atmospheric Research (VINAR) and involves collaboration with colleagues at GeoSphere Austria and the Department of Meteorology and Geophysics at the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy, University of Vienna.

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 nonextension declaration.

Your future tasks

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

• You will be involved in unique research projects in which we collaborate with top scientific institutions
• Your work will focus on rarely-studied aerosol components (including microplastics and others) at urban and remote sites in the framework of ACTRIS and beyond
• You will set up, characterize, maintain and operate ACTRIS instrumentation such as Aethalometer (AE), Nephelometer, Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS) in order to measure the aerosol microphysical and optical properties sampling from a PM10 inlet at the Aerosol Observatory
• You will characterize instruments in the laboratory, perform aerosol measurements at the Aerosol Observatory, process, analyze and interpret the aerosol data with respect to aerosol microphysical and optical properties
• You will compare data obtained at the Aerosol Observatory (urban background) in Vienna and the Sonnblick Observatory (remote atmosphere)
• You will collaborate within VINAR, GeoSphere Austria (Sonnblick Observatory) and the Department of Meteorology and Geophysics at the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy, University of Vienna (FLEXPART modelling)
• You will work on your dissertation and towards its completion in time. 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 actively and continuously perform literature search to independently locate relevant journal articles
• 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 contribute to outreach by publications, conference presentations and public activities

This is part of your personality

Compulsory

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in physics and/or aerosol-related topics such as atmospheric sciences, aerosol chemistry, meteorology, or similar
• Affinity for practical work; ideally, you have experience in experimental/technical work
• An excellent command of written and spoken English (C1 or higher)
• Experience in programming (e.g., Python) to perform your data analysisReliable, regular presence in the laboratory on site in Vienna
• Willingness to travel: measurement campaigns may involve fieldwork away from the office, including national and international stays
• You are a team player with good social/communication skills, as the goal will only be achieved in a team
• Class B driving license

Desirable

• Knowledge in atmospheric and/or aerosol physics and experimental work
• Experience with common aerosol particle detection and characterization techniques, in particular with measurements of aerosol microphysical and optical properties, is considered an asset
• Experience in building experimental setups, instrument characterization, and calibration
• Experience with in-field measurement campaigns is an asset
• Initiative in finding solutions for technical and scientific problems

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 many relevant top research groups in the world.

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 (full-time basis, 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 all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

If you have any questions, please contact

Bernadett Weinzierl

[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.

Data protection
Application deadline:10/24/2026

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