University Assistant Postdoctoral, Physics

University of Vienna; United States; Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote/hybrid work

Internal training & coaching

Job summary

The University of Vienna invites applications for a University Assistant Postdoc in the 51 Faculty of Physics. You will join the Molecular Quantum Optics & Quantum Nanophysics group working on matter-wave interferometry with nanoparticles.

You will develop an independent research profile, publish internationally, teach, supervise students and pursue third-party funding in an internationally oriented, collaborative environment led by Prof. Arndt.

Qualifications

• PhD in experimental quantum physics with a focus on matter-wave sciences.

Responsibilities

• Active participation in research, teaching and administration.
• Build an independent research profile in matter-wave interferometry.
• Publish internationally and give lectures.
• Apply for projects and raise third-party funds.
• Co-supervise students and participate in quality assurance.

Skills

Matter-wave interferometry

Quantum optics

Vacuum physics

Laser physics

Data acquisition

Mass spectrometry

Lab software

English proficiency

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in experimental quantum physics

Tools

Lab software

Job description

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 postdoctoral

51 Faculty of Physics

Startdate: 01.11.2026 | Working hours: 40 | Collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc)

Limited until: 30.09.2030

Reference no.: 6224

How far can we push matter-wave interference with metal clusters? How can we use quantum interference for novel measurements of nanoparticle properties? Do we understand decoherence on the nanoparticle scale? Such questions and their implications for the foundations of physics are the driving force behind our research. You will be part of our team and develop new ideas, technologies and experiments to push the limits of macroscopicity in quantum physics.

Your personal sphere of play:

As a University Assistant Postdoc, you will be part of the research group "Molecular Quantum Optics & Quantum Nanophysics" led by Prof. Arndt, exploring quantum phenomena using a world-wide unique research platform, namely cluster interferometry. The main research activities of our group include universal matter-wave interferometry with organic and biological molecules as well as metal clusters and dielectric nanoparticles. We use them to study fundamental questions in physics and to explore novel quantum technologies, specifically force measurements on the 1e-26 N level and below.

Our team is part of the Quantum Science group at the Faculty of Physics. We are a member of the Vienna Center for Quantum Science and Technology (VCQ) and the Austrian Cluster of Excellence (quanta). The Molecular Quantum Optics & Quantum Nanophysics team around by Prof. Arndt explores the interface between quantum physics and classical world from biology to chemistry to classicality in experiments. We hold the current world record in a measure of macroscopicity in quantum physics.

Your future tasks:

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

• You build up an independent research profile in the field of matter-wave interferometry with nanoparticles.
• You are involved in research projects and scientific studies in the area of mesoscopic quantum science and metrology.
• You publish internationally and give lectures.
• You apply for projects and raise third-party funds.
• You hold courses within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
• You co-supervise students.
• You participate in evaluation measures and in quality assurance.
• You take on administrative tasks in research, teaching and administration.

This is part of your personality:

• You have completed your doctoral/PhD studies in experimental quantum physics, in particular with expertise in matter-wave sciences in ultrahigh vacuum environments and the coherent optical manipulation of metals nanoparticles.
• You have completed an outstanding dissertation that has resulted in internationally visible publications in high-impact peer-reviewed media in experimental quantum optics.
• You have experience in research management and in leading project staff.
• You should have experience in teaching.
• You have excellent laboratory skills involving vacuum physics, laser physics, quantum optics tools, lab software and data acquisition, cluster physics and mass spectrometry.
• Knowledge: experimental experience with macroscopic quantum phenomena, specifically matter-wave interferometry, AMO physics is a significant advantage.
• You have excellent command of written and spoken English.
• You are a team player and high social/communicative skills.

What we offer:

Work-life balance:

Our employees enjoy flexible working hours, remote/hybrid and/or part-time work (upon agreement).

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 (14 times a year) for a period of 47 months or max. until 30.09.2030, increases if we can credit professional experience.

Get off to a great start in your new job:

The Welcome Compass helps you settle into your new role at the University of Vienna and life in Vienna.

Equal opportunities for all:

We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

If you have any content questions, please contact:

Markus Arndt

[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: 10/02/2026

Post Doc