University assistant predoctoral
Start date: 01.02.2026 | Working hours: 30 | Collective bargaining agreement: 48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) Limited until: 31.01.2029 | Reference no.: 5008
About The Team
This is an opportunity to work towards a PhD in physics and to conduct world‑leading research and teaching in molecular simulation and computational materials discovery. Fuel cells, photovoltaic devices, photocatalytic converters – they all are crucial elements in delivering decarbonization and sustainable energy production at a global scale within the coming decades. They all fundamentally involve energy transfer and chemical dynamics at interfaces where molecules, electrons, and light interact to deliver a certain function. The underlying mechanisms of ultrafast dynamics at surfaces triggered by light or electrons are not well understood, which, for example, limits our ability to design photocatalyst materials that deliver optimal light absorption, catalytic activity, and energy transport. Molecular simulation methods and quantum theoretical calculations in principle can address this but have hitherto struggled with tackling such challenging systems. With the emergence of machine learning methods in the physical sciences, things are rapidly changing. This project is part of a large initiative that aims to tackle this ambitious challenge by developing and applying new software tools that combine machine learning methodology, electronic structure theory, and molecular dynamics methodology to simulate ultrafast chemical dynamics at surfaces and in materials.
Your Personal Sphere Of Influence
As a university assistant (praedoc), you will be part of the Computational Materials Discovery group of Professor Reinhard Maurer. This project will focus on the simulation of light‑driven chemical reactions at surfaces. By combining mixed quantum‑classical dynamics methods with machine‑learning surrogate models of energy landscapes and quantum mechanical operators, important photochemical reactions such as CO hydrogenation and hydrogen oxidation reactions will be studied. A key outcome of this project will be the design of nanostructured catalyst materials to provide optimal reaction selectivity and activity and improved understanding of energy conversion mechanisms based on electron‑phonon coupling. You will contribute to the development of new dynamics software and machine learning methods for the computational design of catalyst materials. 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.
Your Future Tasks
* Involved in a curiosity‑driven research project in the field of electronic structure theory and ultrafast quantum dynamics.
* Present your research plan to the faculty and complete a dissertation agreement within 12–18 months, reviewed and adapted annually.
* Work on your dissertation and towards its completion in time, with a large degree of independence paired with high social awareness.
* Contribute to teaching (exercise classes) within the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
* Fill some administrative tasks, contributing to the success and self‑organization of the group for research, teaching and administration.
* Continuously stay informed about the state of the art in your field.
* Contribute to outreach by publications, conference presentations and public activities.
Candidate Profile
* Completed Master’s degree or Diploma in physics.
* Experience in academic writing.
* Interest and background in condensed matter theory, quantum theory, and electronic structure theory.
* Excellent command of written and spoken English.
* Experience with programming (e.g. Python, Julia) and simulation methods (e.g. molecular and quantum dynamics).
* Scientific curriculum vitae.
What We Offer
In the Maurer group, we aim to develop computational simulation methodology to study quantum phenomena at surfaces with applications ranging from photocatalysis to nanotechnology and electrochemistry. You will join a large, international and interdisciplinary research group that provides a collaborative and supportive environment. Our team is a member of the Vienna Doctoral School in Physics, the faculty research group Computational Materials Physics, and the Centre of Excellence on Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage (MECS CoE). PhD students in the group acquire important transferable skills such as software development and project management. You will present your research at international and national conferences.
Inspiring working atmosphere: healthy and fair working environment. Potential for development: opportunities to connect you to top research groups worldwide. Good public transport connection. Internal further training & coaching: Vienna Doctoral School and HR offer over 600 courses free of charge. Fair salary: basic salary EUR 3 776,10 (full‑time, 14× p.a.), increases with professional experience. Equal opportunities for everyone: access for all, especially women are encouraged and given preference where qualifications equal.
Application Information
* A summary of your previous academic and research achievements.
* A short statement on your research interests for the future (motivation letter).
* Your Bachelor’s and Master’s degree: an excellent academic degree is a good entrance statement. Master’s is preferred; exceptional Bachelors (preferably with Honors) may be considered.
Contact
If you have any content questions, please contact; Reinhard Maurer – reinhard.maurer@univie.ac.at
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.
Application deadline: 01/30/2026.
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