Job Description

At the University of Vienna, more than 10,000 people work together towards answering the big questions of the future. Around 7,500 of them are scientists who, with their curiosity and continuous demand for excellence, conduct top-level international research and teaching. Are you also looking for the right space to develop your potential? We are seeking a/an

University assistant predoctoral/PhD Candidate

51 Faculty of Physics

Job vacancy starting: 11/01/2026 | Working hours: 30.00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)

Limited contract until: 10/31/2030

Job ID: 6205

How can we perform table-top experiments to obtain new insights into the foundations of quantum physics? Can we measure gravitational effects on entangled photons for shining light onto the interface of quantum physics and gravity? Can we exploit quantum photonics technology for novel quantum machine learning, quantum computing and quantum cybersecurity applications? Can we scale up multiphoton platforms by using integrated optics, quantum-dot single-photon sources and customized two-dimensional nonlinear materials? Such questions are the driving force behind our research. You will be part of our team and develop new ideas, technologies and experiments.

Your personal sphere of influence:

As university assistant (PraeDoc) on this 4-year position, you will be part of the research group “Quantum Information Science and Quantum Computation”, led by Univ.- Prof. Dr. Philip Walther.

The group is part of the Quantum Science group at the Faculty of Physics, and a member of the Vienna Center for Quantum Science and Technology (VCQ) – one of the largest quantum hubs in Europe – and the Austrian Cluster of Excellence quantA.

The group’s research combines the development of scalable photonic quantum technology for quantum computing and other quantum information applications with the investigation of fundamental quantum science questions. The main activities range from quantum control of single photons using solid-state photon sources, integrated waveguide technology, tailored nonlinear media and detectors based on superconductor technology to interferometric precision measurements of weak gravitational forces.

You will also benefit from being a fellow of the Vienna Doctoral School in Physics (VDSP), being part of a thriving community with more than 100 quantum scientists on the premises, about 300 quantum researchers in Vienna.

The Walther Group unites an international team of scientists who are passionate about research in quantum optics, quantum information and quantum technologies. Our 40 researchers, from undergraduate students and PhD candidates to PostDocs are working together on mostly experimental topics in small subgroups. Teamwork is a key factor to our group’s success. Together we assembled a unique skill set and knowledge base in quantum information, quantum computation, quantum communication, quantum foundations as well as quantum-gravity interface.

In order to increase the percentage of women in Physics, the announced position is open to qualified female candidates only.

Your future tasks:

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

• You are involved in a specific and well-funded research project dedicated to experimental quantum machine learnings in photonic platforms.
• 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 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 continuously stay informed about the state of the art in your field.
• You contribute to outreach by publications, conference presentations and public activities.

This is part of your personality:

• You have completed your Master's degree or Diploma in Physics and written your thesis in the field of experimental quantum optics
• You have experience with table-top experiments, photonic platforms and multi-photon generation
• You should have experience in free space bulk-optics
• You have experience in academic writing
• You should have experience with programming digital interfaces for experimental instruments through Python, and knowledge of LateX
• You have excellent command of written and spoken English

What we offer:

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are part of an international academic team with excellent research infrastructure in a relaxed working environment.

Good public transport connections: Your new workplace in the center of 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.

Fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 3.776,10 (40h p.w., 14x p.a.) increases if we can credit professional experience. 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 non-extension declaration.

Equal opportunities for everyone: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

It is that easy to apply:

• Your scientific curriculum vitae
• A letter of motivation (no more than one page)
• Your Bachelor’s and Master‘s degree
• Contact details of 2 people who could provide a letter of reference
• Titel and abstract of your Master thesis

Via our job portal / Apply now - button

If you have any questions, please contact:

Philip Walther

philip.walther@univie.ac.at

We look forward to new personalities in our team!

We lay special emphasis on increasing the number of women in senior and in academic positions among the academic and general university staff and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply.

In order to increase the percentage of women in Physics, the announced position is open to qualified female candidates only.

University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.

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​Application deadline: 10/15/2026

Prae Doc