About the Lab
As a university assistant pra‑doc you will join the Soft Matter Experiments (SoMeX) Lab led by Prof. Roberto Cerbino. The SoMeX Lab investigates the physical principles governing the behavior of soft and biological systems, focusing on both equilibrium and non‑equilibrium phenomena, from the dynamics of yield‑stress fluids to the collective behavior of cells and bacterial collectives. Our lab is a center for methodological innovation and provides a world‑class, integrated experimental environment. Our facilities allow for the entire scientific workflow—from sample preparation in our chemistry lab and cell culture lab to advanced characterization.
Our imaging suite features several microscopes, including a CrestOptics X‑Light v3 spinning disk mounted on a fully‑automated Nikon Ti2‑E, supported by high‑end sCMOS cameras (Kinetix, Andor CB2, ORCA‑Flash4.0 V3) and biological incubators. For mechanical probing, we utilize our custom‑built ShearView linear rheometer and an Anton Paar MCR 702e Space custom rheomicroscope. We also leverage optical tweezers, 3D printing for synthetic and biocompatible materials, and our open‑sourced fastDDM code for high‑throughput Differential Dynamic Microscopy (DDM).
Future Tasks
You actively participate in research, teaching and administration.
You are involved in ongoing research projects and scientific studies in the areas of soft matter physics, biophysics and active matter, with a particular focus on some of the following topics:
* rheology and rheo‑microscopy of complex fluids and soft materials;
* collective behaviour of cells and bacterial systems;
* microscopy and image analysis of biological and soft‑matter systems;
* Differential Dynamic Microscopy (DDM), microrheology and light scattering;
* development of new experimental methods and instrumentation.
* You develop and pursue an original doctoral project within the research profile of the SoMeX Lab. We expect you to conclude a dissertation agreement within 12–18 months. You work independently and continuously on your dissertation and its timely completion.
* You participate in the publication of research results in international peer‑reviewed journals and present your work at conferences and workshops.
* You contribute to the preparation of grant proposals and to collaborative research activities within the lab and with our international partners.
* You hold courses independently within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement, in particular by contributing to teaching in the Faculty of Physics at the Bachelor and Master level.
* You support the supervision of Bachelor and Master students.
* You take on administrative tasks in research, teaching and administration, including participation in the organization of laboratory activities, seminars and scientific events.
Qualifications
Necessary qualifications, experience and knowledge (MUST criteria):
* Completed Master’s degree or Diploma in Physics, Biophysics, Soft Matter, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
* Analytical and methodological design competence: proven ability to formulate a scientific hypothesis and design a feasible experimental strategy, demonstrated through a conceptual research proposal.
* Technical literacy in advanced instrumentation: demonstrated understanding of the physical principles underlying experimental soft matter physics (in particular rheology and advanced optical microscopy), evidenced by previous research work or the conceptual proposal.
* Quantitative data analysis skills: proficiency in scientific programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for data‑intensive applications and the ability to bridge raw experimental data with physical modelling.
* Academic communication proficiency: excellent command of written and spoken English (C1 level).
Desirable experience and knowledge (Target criteria):
* Advanced laboratory expertise: hands‑on experience with high‑end or custom imaging/rheology/scattering hardware.
* Sample preparation: familiarity with wet‑lab environments, including chemistry prep, cell culture or microbiology protocols.
* Software development: experience with image‑analysis frameworks and instrument control.
Most important competencies:
* Scientific autonomy: a "hands‑on" mindset and the ability to independently troubleshoot complex experimental setups.
* Collaborative skills: a proactive team player who thrives in interdisciplinary, international environments.
* Reliability: strong organizational skills and a commitment to the timely completion of a 4‑year doctoral project.
Benefits
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. The employment duration is 4 years, initially limited to 1.5 years, 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 all: we welcome every additional/new personality to the team and fully comply with anti‑discrimination laws. The University of Vienna attaches great importance to equal opportunities, the advancement of women and diversity. Preference will be given to female candidates given equal qualifications.
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