The University of Vienna is a community of almost 11,000 individuals, including approximately 7,700 academic staff members, who passionately pursue answers to the profound questions that shape our future. They represent individuals driven by curiosity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With us, they find the space to try things out and unfold their potential. Are you inspired by their passion and determination? We are currently seeking a/an
52 Faculty of Chemistry
Job vacancy starting: 01/01/2027 | Working hours: 30.00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)
Limited contract until: 12/31/2029
Job ID: 6311
Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where more than 7,700 academics thrive on curiosity in continuous exploration and help us better understand our world. Does this sound like you? Then join our accomplished team!
The grouo of Michael Reithofer at the Department of Inorganic Chemistry at the Faculty of Chemistry is offering a PhD Position (PraeDoc) - "Carbene stabilized Nano materials and composites". The project the candidate will be working on focuses on the design and development of carbon-stabilized nanomaterials as versatile platforms for catalytic, photonic, and functional material applications, as well as their integration into composites such as MOFs, COFs, and their glasses. N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) and related carbene ligands (such as peptoids, peptides, COFs, MOFs) enable precise control over nanoparticle surface chemistry, stability, and interfacial reactivity, making them powerful tools to tailor nanomaterials for demanding operational environments.
The aim of this PhD project is to establish structure–property relationships linking ligand design, nanoparticle structure, and functional performance. Particular emphasis will be placed on integrating carbene-stabilized nanoparticles into structured materials or hybrid matrices, enabling applications in (electro)catalysis.
The candidate will combine synthetic chemistry, nanomaterials processing, and advanced characterization techniques within an interdisciplinary team working at the interface of inorganic chemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology.
The group provides a high-performance research environment centered on advanced (nano)materials chemistry, with deep expertise in synthesis, characterization, and application of metal nanoparticles and hybrid materials. The group has a fully equipped synthetic lab equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for air-sensitive work (Schlenk line, glove box, etc) and also host a range of analytical tools including GC, UV-Vis, potentiostat/galvanostat, plate reader with injectors, tabletop SEM-EDX, TGA and in-situ Raman ecell. Researchers have full access to extensive infrastructure at the University of Vienna, including state-of-the-art microscopy suites (SEM, TEM, AFM), additive manufacturing facilities, thin-film deposition tools, photonic and spectroscopic laboratories, and well-equipped synthetic chemistry labs. The group is embedded in a strong collaborative ecosystem, working closely with leading academic partners across Europe, the USA, and Asia. This network enables joint projects, shared facilities, and pathways to high-impact publications. Additional departmental resources—technical staff, mechanical workshops, computing clusters, and centralized analytical platforms—ensure a robust environment for ambitious, multidisciplinary research.
The employment duration is 3 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 3 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a declaration of non-extension. With appropriate work progress, an extension to a total maximum of 4 years is possible.
You actively participate in research, teaching & administration, which means:
Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours and can partially work remotely.
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 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.
Fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 3.776,10 (on a full-time basis) increases if we can credit professional experience.
Contract: The employment duration is 3 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 3 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a declaration of non-extension. With appropriate work progress, an extension to a total maximum of 4 years is possible.
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!
Michael Reithofer
michael.reithofer@univie.ac.at
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.
Application deadline: 10/30/2026
Prae Doc
