Scientific Project Assistant Postdoc, Physics

Emerging Scholars Council; Vienna (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Internal training & coaching

Good public transport connections

Job summary

University of Vienna’s Aerosol Physics and Environmental Physics Group invites applications for a Postdoctoral scientist to advance experimental aerosol physics, participate in ACTRIS facility setup, and study optical properties of aerosols in urban environments. You will design campaigns, operate instruments like the aethalometer and nephelometer, analyze real-time data, and publish results.

The position is fixed-term and on-site in Vienna, starting 01.07.2026.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics or aerosol-related topics.
• Experience with in-situ aerosol measurements and instrument development.
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Proficiency in Python and/or Igor.
• Publications in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and spoken English; German desirable.

Responsibilities

• Organize and implement unique research projects and ground-based campaigns.
• Set up and operate ACTRIS instrumentation for aerosol measurements.
• Maintain and operate nephelometer, aethalometer, and aerosol particle sizer.

Skills

Python

Igor

Data analysis

Teamwork

Scientific writing

Education

PhD in physics or aerosol science

Tools

Aethalometer

Nephelometer

Aerosol particle sizer

Job description

If You Have Any Questions, Please Contact Bernadett Weinzierl

At the University of Vienna, over 10,000 people work together on the big questions of the future. Approximately 7,500 of them are academic staff members. These are individuals who, with their curiosity and their continuous pursuit of excellence, engage in international cutting‑edge research and teaching. With us, you will also find space to unfold your potential. We are looking for a Scientific project assistant postdoc in the 51 Faculty of Physics.

Startdate: 01.07.2026

Working hours: 30

Collective bargaining agreement:

• 48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc) Limited until: 06.07.2027 Reference no.: 4872

Your Personal Sphere Of Play

Are you interested in experimental aerosol physics and want to contribute to the setup and operation of the upcoming ACTRIS National Facility for aerosol in-situ measurement? Are you curious about the optical properties of aerosol particles in urban background environment and means of measuring these? Are you fascinated by gathering real time data to address urgent environmental challenges such as climate change? Do you enjoy working in the laboratory and in the field? If so, we invite you to join the Aerosol Physics and Environmental Physics Group.

As a PostDoc you will be part of the Aerosol Physics and Environmental Physics Group around Professor Bernadett Weinzierl. The Aerosol Physics and Environmental Physics (AEP) Group at the Faculty of Physics of the University of Vienna combines highly-sophisticated laboratory, ground-based and aircraft measurements with innovative modelling to study the fundamental physical and chemical properties of aerosol particles and clouds. Current research focuses on related but different areas of aerosol science and covers the whole size spectrum from the nano- to the microscale. We are looking for a motivated Post‑doctoral scientist to extend our team. The position is limited until 6 July 2027.

Your Future Tasks

• You will contribute to the organization and implementation of unique research projects and ground-based measurement campaigns
• You will contribute to the setup, characterization and operation of our upcoming ACTRIS National Facility for aerosol in-situ measurements at the University of Vienna
• You will setup ACTRIS instrumentation (such as Aethalometer, Nephelometer, and Aerodynamic Particle Sizer), maintain and independently operate it in order to measure the optical properties of aerosol particles
• You will operate and optimize aerosol calibration systems, and apply calibration to data collected at the Aerosol Observatory
• You will be present in the laboratory on site in Vienna regularly
• You will process, analyze and interpret the data from measurements at our Aerosol Observatory with respect to aerosol optical properties
• You will continuously stay informed about the state of the art in your field, and develop and strengthen an independent research profile
• You will present findings at scientific meetings, in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and public outreach activities.
• You will contribute to the success and self-organization of the group for research, and help with some administrative tasks
• You will contribute to project applications and the acquisition of third‑party funding
• You will independently teach courses as defined by the collective agreement, and (co-) supervise students
• You will train students at all levels on the latest aerosol measurement methods

Education and expertise

• Completed doctoral degree/PhD degree in physics and/or aerosol related topics such as atmospheric sciences, aerosol chemistry or meteorology
• Professional expertise: Knowledge in experimental physics and laboratory and field work, ideally in aerosol physics and/or atmospheric physics, including measurements of optical aerosol properties
• Experience with in-situ aerosol measurement techniques, and in aerosol instrument development
• Experience with operation and maintenance of instruments such as nephelometer, aethalometer and/or aerosol particle sizer, or similar
• Experience in data analysis and interpretation
• Very good programming skills (including Python and/or Igor)
• Experience in teaching aerosol physics‑related classes and supervising students is considered an asset
• Experience with the acquisition of third‑party funding is considered an asset
• Publications in renowned, peer‑reviewed journals
• Excellent command of written and spoken English, German is desirable but not required

Mindset And Soft-skills

• Ability to work in a team
• High ability to express yourself both orally and in writing
• Open, collaborative, and curious personality
• Proactive, self‑driven, and highly motivated
• Excellent independent research and management abilities
• Desireable: Experience abroad
• Willingness to travel
• Driver's license is necessary

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.

Internal further training & Coaching

Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.

Fixed-term contract and fair salary

The basic salary of EUR 5.014,30 (for 40 hours/14 times a year) for the contract period increases if we can credit professional experience.

Equal opportunities for all

We look forward to diverse personalities in 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.

Application deadline

08/14/2026

https://jobs.univie.ac.at/job-invite/4872