University assistant predoctoral/ PhD Candidate

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

Startdate: 15.10.2026 | Working hours: 30 | Collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)

Limited until: 14.10.2029

Reference no.: 6207

Are you fascinated by science and its rapid progress? Are you intrigued by ever-improving microscopes and the images they provide? Are you passionate about interdisciplinary research? Do you want to contribute your skills and know-how to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge? Are you a team player who loves to discuss science and to develop new technologies in the laboratory? Then you should consider becoming a member of the Quantum Optics and Microscopy team.

As a university assistant (praedoc) on this 3-year position, you will be part of the Quantum Optics and Microscopy team around Professor Thomas Juffmann. You will be working on advanced imaging experiments with applications in biosciences, that push the limits of the state-of-the art in terms of imaging resolution and speed.

Our Team is part of the Quantum Science group of the Faculty of Physics. We are member of the Vienna Center for Quantum Science and Technology (VCQ), one of the largest quantum hubs in Europe, and of the Austrian Cluster of Excellence (quantA), advancing basic research in quantum sciences. We are also affiliated with, and located at, the Max Perutz Labs, dedicated to a mechanistic understanding of fundamental biomedical processes. You will become a part of a thriving research environment that spans disciplines from physics to biology.

The Juffmann group unites an international team of scientists (Master, PhD, Postdoc) who love to develop the instruments of tomorrow. Together we have assembled a unique skill set and knowledge base in optics, electron optics, quantum sensing, microscopy, adaptive optics, information theory, biophysics, and more. Working with us means learning something new every day - all of us, from bachelor student to professor.

Your future tasks:

You will actively participate in research, teaching & administration. This means:

• You are involved in a specific and well-funded research project, focused on label-free super-resolution microscopy.

• 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 work on your dissertation and towards its completion in time. We expect a large degree of independence paired with an openness to guidance and constructive feedback.

• You will contribute to teaching (lab courses, exercise classes) within the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.

• You will fill 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.

• You have completed your Master's degree or Diploma in physics.

• You have experience in chemistry (e.g. a bachelor’s degree or the proven completion of courses relevant to the work with DNA molecules and fluorophores)

• You have a successful track record in experimental optics/microscopy (e.g. a peer-reviewed publication in that area).

• Ideally, you have experience with experiment design software (e.g. Zemax, CAD,...)

• Ideally, you have experience with software related to experiment control and data analysis (Python, IMSwitch, PiScat)

• Ideally, you have experience working with DNA-origami and DNA-PAINT assays.

• You have an excellent command of written and spoken English

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 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 all relevant top research groups in the world.

Internal further training & Coaching: The Vienna Doctoral School as well as the department of human resources offer plenty of opportunities to grow your skills in 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 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 non-extension declaration.

Equal opportunities for everyone: We look forward to diverse personalities in the team!

• Your scientific curriculum vitae

• Motivation Letter (max 1 page)

• A summary of your previous academic and research achievements. Tell us what you’re proud of.

• A short statement on your research interests for the future. Tell us what you dream about, scientifically.

• Contact details of 2 people who could provide a letter of reference

• Your Bachelor’s and Master‘s degree: an excellent academic degree is a good entrance statement for this position.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Thomas Juffmann

thomas.juffmann@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 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. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.

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Application deadline: 10/04/2026

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