University assistant predoctoral - PhD Position in Inorganic & Materials Chemistry

Universität Wien

Job description:

The University of Vienna is a community of over 10,000 individuals, including approximately 7,500 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

University assistant predoctoral - PhD Position in Inorganic & Materials Chemistry

52 Faculty of Chemistry
Startdate: 01.11.2025 | Working hours: 30 | Collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)
Limited until: 31.10.2026
Reference no.: 4714

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where more than 7,500 academics thrive on curiosity in continuous exploration and help us better understand our world. Does this sound like you? Then join our accomplished team!

Your personal sphere of influence:

The Chin Research Group at the Department Functional Materials and Catalysis focuses on colloidal and interfacial materials for emerging energy applications. You will be hired on the FFG-funded consortium project, NanoCool – Nanoimprinted surfaces for passive cooling of solar cells.

Your PhD project will concentrate on the design of materials and nanostructures, their fabrication and incorporation into polymer films, and the surface functionalization of these films to achieve multifunctionality (passive radiative cooling, anti-soiling, anti-icing, and light management). You will work closely with consortium members and actively support partners responsible for nanoimprint lithography (NIL) to ensure smooth integration of the developed nanomaterials into structured coatings.

The project’s ambition is to realize retrofittable multilayered films that increase photovoltaic performance and durability. Beyond photovoltaics, the developed toolbox of PRC films may also be applied to cooling of windows, rooftops, and industrial machinery.

Your future tasks:

You are involved in research projects and scientific studies, you: 

• Design and fabricate nanomaterials and incorporate them into polymer thin films
• Functionalize film surfaces to introduce anti-soiling and anti-icing properties
• Characterize optical and surface properties and link them to functional performance
• Collaborate closely with consortium partners, especially those working on nanoimprint lithography
• Present progress in consortium meetings and contribute to reports and deliverables
• Disseminate research in publications and conferences

You actively participate in research, teaching & administration, which means you:

• Support teaching and student supervision within the Department. 
• You hold courses independently within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
• Assist with administrative tasks to support the supervisor and the consortium

• You take on administrative tasks in research, teaching and administration.

• We expect you to finalize your dissertation agreement within 12-18 months.
• You work on your dissertation and its completion.

This is part of your personality:

• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or related field (grade ≥ 2 in Austrian system / GPA ≥ 3.5/4)
• Strong background in materials synthesis, nanomaterials fabrication, or polymer composites
• Experience with surface functionalization and/or thin-film characterization is an advantage
• Familiarity with optical spectroscopy or microscopy techniques is beneficial
• Strong communication, presentation, and teamwork skills
• Fluent in English (German appreciated)
• Motivated, collaborative, and able to work independently

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 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 3,714,80 (on a full-time basis) increases if we can credit professional experience.

Duration of contract: The employment duration is one year. Initially limited to 1 year, the employment relationship can be extended up to 3 years maximum. 

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

It is that easy to apply:

Please submit the following documents as a single PDF through our  job portal (“Apply now” button), Job ID 4714:

• Motivation letter
• CV
• Copies of Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates + transcripts (in German or certified English translation)
• Contact information of two referees (former supervisors)
• Note: Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis – if a suitable candidate is found before the deadline, the job opening may close early.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Jia Min Chin  

jiamin.chin@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: 10/17/2025 

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