University assistant predoctoral/PhD Candidate

Universität Wien

Job description:

At the University of Vienna almost 11,000 personalities work together towards answering the big questions of the future. Around 7,700  of them do research and teaching, around 3,000 work in administration and organisation. We are looking for a/an

University assistant predoctoral/PhD Candidate

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 Optics, Quantum Nanophysics & Quantum Information 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 reach 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 35 young researchers, from undergraduate student, PhD candidate to Postdoc 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.

Your future tasks:

Active participation in research, teaching & administration, which means:
•    You are involved in a specific and well-funded research project dedicated to quantum machine learning for photonic platforms, bridging theoretical foundations with practical implementations. 
•    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 a high level of social awareness as the goal will only be achieved in a team.
•    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 will 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; an additional diploma in computational science is of advantage.
•    You have experience in academic writing.
•    You should ideally come with experience in theoretical quantum machine learning, photonic platforms, quantum reservoirs, explainable AI on photonic quantum hardware.
•    You should have experience with the usual tools for advanced experiments: programming experience: Matlab or Python.
•    You have an excellent command of written and spoken English.

What we offer:

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.
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 3.714,80  (full-time basis, 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 look forward to diverse personalities in the team!

It is that easy to apply:

• Your scientific curriculum vitae.
• A summary of your previous academic and research achievements.
• A short statement on your research interests for the future.
• Your Bachelor’s and Master‘s degree: an excellent academic degree is a good entrance statement for this position.
• A letter of motivation (no more than one page).

If you have any content questions, please contact:

Philip Walther

philip.walther@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.

Data protection

Application deadline: 12/18/2025 

Apply now