University assistant predoctoral

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

51 Faculty of Physics

Job vacancy starting: 12/01/2026 | Working hours: 30.00  | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)

Limited contract until: 11/30/2029

Job ID:  6241

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where more than 7,700 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 Computational and Soft Matter Physics Group at the Faculty of Physics invites applications for a praedoc position in the group of Prof. Christos Likos. The group develops theoretical and computational models to study a broad range of soft condensed matter systems with an emphasis on the statistical mechanics of equilibrium and non-equilibrium processes of structure formation and models of rheology. Members of the group contribute to the teaching at the Faculty of Physics at all levels from the Bachelor to the Doctoral program. The successful candidate is expected to participate in the research projects of the Likos Group currently focusing on the understanding of collective phenomena in active matter, glass formation, self-assembly and topological interactions. The candidate will also contribute to the teaching of the group and take part in other group activities such as the organization of meetings and public outreach.

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 non-extension declaration.

Your future tasks

The successful candidate is expected to work on problems related to the collective self-organization of active polymers and swimmers under full consideration of hydrodynamics. We aim at an understanding of the role that the distribution of swimmer-induced forces within the solvent plays in the emergence of collective phenomena, such as active turbulence among the swimmers.

• 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 fill some administrative tasks, contributing to the success and self-organization of the group for research, teaching and administration.

• You will contribute to teaching (lab courses, exercise classes) within the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.

• 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

• MSc in physics or chemistry

• Experience with molecular simulation methods (MD/MC) and, in particular, with rare event simulation approaches

• Excellent knowledge of statistical mechanics, very good knowledge of polymer physics

• Excellent command of written and spoken English

• Good command of German is a plus

What we offer

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.

Get off to a great start in your new job: the  Welcome Compass  helps you settle into your new role at the University of Vienna and life in Vienna.

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

It is that easy to apply

Your application should include

• Letter of motivation

• Curriculum vitae

• List of publications

• Degree certificates

Apply via our job portal - use the "Apply now" button.

If you have any content questions, please contact

Christos Likos

christos.likos@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:  11/01/2026

Prae Doc