Senior Scientist

Universität Wien

Job description:

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

Senior Scientist

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where over 7,500 brilliant minds have found a unique balance of freedom and support. Join us if you’re passionate about groundbreaking international research and academic excellence. Ready to be part of our team? Let’s shape the future together!

Your personal sphere of play:

The Faculty of Chemistry invites applications for the position of Senior Scientist at the Institute of Organic Chemistry. This position is for a one-year term, with the option of subsequent permanent employment. The successful candidate will assume a central and long-term role in the establishment, consolidation, and permanent integration of the Laboratory for Organic Manufacturing and Applied Research within the Institute’s research and teaching framework. The position serves to strengthen an applied research and innovation profile that complements the Institute’s established expertise in fundamental organic and molecular chemistry, ensuring a continuous linkage between basic research, application-oriented development, scalable manufacturing approaches, technology transfer, and societal impact. With a focus on sustainable organic and hybrid materials, green and circular chemistry, and responsible innovation, the Senior Scientist will contribute to the development and maintenance of stable innovation infrastructures and collaborations with academic, industrial, and technology transfer partners. Through the integration of applied research, prototype development, interdisciplinary teaching, and the supervision and mentoring of early-stage innovation and spin-off activities, the position supports the qualification of scientists at the interface of organic chemistry, materials science, engineering, and innovation.

Your future tasks:

• Development and operation of applied research infrastructure: Establish, further develop, and coordinate the Laboratory for Organic Manufacturing and Applied Research as a permanent institutional platform for application-oriented chemical research within the Institute of Organic Chemistry.
• Applied research and technology translation: Conduct and support applied research activities in organic and hybrid materials, manufacturing processes, and functional chemical systems, with the objective of translating research results into scalable technologies, prototypes, and demonstrators.
• Innovation and technology transfer: Initiate, support, and accompany technology transfer activities, including cooperation with technology transfer offices, IP management, spin-off preparation, and collaboration with industrial and innovation partners.
• Project coordination and external cooperation: Develop and manage applied research and innovation projects in collaboration with academic groups, industry partners, innovation hubs, and funding bodies at the national and international level.
• Teaching and academic training: Holding indenpent courses within the scope of the Austrian bargain agreement. Contribute to teaching in bachelor’s and master’s programs in the fields of applied organic chemistry, sustainable materials, organic manufacturing, circular economy, and innovation-oriented methodologies; supervise student research projects and practical training.
• Interdisciplinary education and mentoring: Support the qualification of students and early-career researchers through interdisciplinary training formats and mentoring in applied research, prototype development, and early-stage innovation activities.
  Outreach and knowledge transfer: Contribute to public, educational, and industrial outreach activities of the Institute and Faculty, including engagement with schools, industry partners, and societal stakeholders, with the aim of communicating the relevance of applied chemical research and fostering long-term cooperation.
• Strategic and administrative engagement: Participate in strategic, organizational, and administrative tasks related to research, teaching, and innovation within the Institute of Organic Chemistry and the Faculty of Chemistry.

Please note that this Senior Scientist position is designed to strengthen the research and educational infrastructure of the Institute and Faculty; it is not intended for establishing an independent research group.

This is part of your personality:

• Completed doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in chemistry; a specialization in organic chemistry is an advantage.
• Demonstrated track record in applied organic and/or hybrid materials research, supramolecular chemistry, and manufacturing-oriented research environments.
• Proven experience in application-oriented research, technology transfer, innovation management, and cooperation with non-academic partners.
• Experience in prototype development, scale-up concepts, and the translation of academic research into practical applications is considered an asset.
• Documented experience in the acquisition of funding for prototype development and technology transfer activities (e.g. spin-off initiatives).
• Proven basic business or entrepreneurship training (e.g. participation in accelerator or incubator programs).
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary and interinstitutional contexts.
• Strong organizational, communication, and mentoring skills.
• Very good command of English (at least C1 level); basic knowledge of German is desirable.
• High level of social competence, reliability, and commitment to teamwork.

What we offer:

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours, remote/hybrid and/or part-time work (upon agreement).

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 center of beautiful 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.

Fixed-term contract and fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 5.014,30 (14 times a year for senior scientists postdoctoral) increases, if we can credit professional experience. The position is initially limited to 1 year with the option of subsequent permanent employment.

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

It is that easy to apply:

• With your scientific curriculum vitae / letter of intent
• With your list of publications
• With your summary of research interests (max. 1 p.)
• Doctoral Degree 
• Via our job portal/ Apply now -  button

If you have any questions, please contact:

Davide Bonifazi  

davide.bonifazi@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.

University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.

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​Application deadline: 02/13/2026 

Apply now