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. Fueled by curiosity and a deep sense of duty, they contribute invaluable insights to research and teaching, enriching our society. Are you inspired and driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact? We are currently seeking a/an
University Assistant postdoctoral
51 Faculty of Physics
Job vacancy starting: 09/01/2025 | Working hours: 40.00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc)
Limited contract until: 08/31/2029
Job ID: 4386
Are you interested in the study of problems in quantum many-body physics through the lens of quantum information and quantum computing? Do you enjoy analyzing complex quantum mechanical systems through a combination of mathematical and numerical tools? Are you an innovative and productive team player who enjoys working in an interdisciplinary team with a background ranging from mathematics and theoretical physics all the way to numerical simulation algorithms?
Then apply now to join our team of theoretical researchers in the Quantum Information and Quantum Many-Body Physics research group.
Your personal sphere of play:
As a university assistant (postdoc) on this 4-year position you will be part of the “Quantum Information and Quantum Many-Body Physics” research group, led by Prof. Norbert Schuch. Our research lies at the interface of Quantum Information and Computation with the study of Complex Quantum Many-Body Systems. For this, we apply a combination of methods from both Mathematics and Physics, complemented by concepts from Theoretical Computer Science.
The group is located jointly at the Faculty of Physics – as part of the Quantum Optics, Quantum Nanophysics, and Quantum Information Group – and at the Faculty of Mathematics. Furthermore, we are a member of the Vienna Center for Quantum Science and Technology (VCQ), one of the largest quantum hubs in Europe, and of the Austrian Cluster of Excellence quantA, advancing basic research in quantum sciences, aiming to expand the frontiers of knowledge and thus being the engine for future innovations.
As a team, we understand the importance of a positive, inclusive, and respectful working environment and regularly exchange ideas about current topics and projects in our group meetings. More information about our research areas and our team can be found on our homepage at https://schuch.univie.ac.at/.
To further strengthen our group, we are looking for a highly qualified postdoctoral researcher with a background in theoretical quantum physics, quantum information, and complex quantum systems, with expertise both in theoretical methods and in numerical study, and with a particular focus on the application of quantum information driven tools, such as tensor networks or convex relaxations, to the rigorous study of quantum many-body problems. The successful candidate is able to actively contribute to the research profile of the Faculty of Physics, teach courses (max. 4 hours/week per semester), and carry out co-mentoring of bachelor, master, and PhD students.
The start of the contract is September 1st, 2025 or later. The exact starting date is negotiable. The employment period is 4 years from the beginning of the contract.
Your future tasks:
Active participation in research, teaching & administration, which means:
• You build up an independent research profile in the field of Quantum Information and Quantum Many-Body Physics.
• You involve yourself in international research projects and scientific studies identifying and addressing research questions revolving around the application of quantum information driven tools to the study of quantum many-body problems, both theoretically and numerically.
• You participate in international scientific collaborations.
• You disseminate your results through publications in international journals, as well as through the participation in international conferences and workshops.
• You contribute towards applications for third-party funding.
• You independently hold courses and examinations within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
• You (co-)supervise bachelor, master, and PhD students.
• You participate in evaluation measures and in quality assurance.
• You become an active team member of the “Quantum Information and Quantum Many-Body Physics” research group and take on administrative tasks in research, teaching and administration.
This is part of your personality:
• Completed doctoral/PhD studies in theoretical physics or a related area
• Outstanding dissertation
• Strong expertise, proven through international publications in peer-relevant media, in the application of quantum information driven tools, such as tensor networks or convex relaxations, to the study of complex quantum systems
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken
• A goal-oriented personality with a high motivation to strive for scientific excellence
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 4,932,90 (14 times a year) for a period of 4 years increases if we can credit professional experience.
Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!
It is that easy to apply:
• with your letter of motivation,
• a scientific CV, including a list of publications, talks, and teaching/(co-)supervising activities (if applicable)
• your certificate of a completed PhD
• contact details of two persons who can provide letters of reference upon request
• via our job portal (by clicking on "Create Profile - Login & Logout" in the header on the upper right), or directly in this job posting (by clicking on the "Apply now" button on the bottom right side)
If you have any questions, please contact:
Norbert Schuch
norbert.schuch@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 lay special emphasis on increasing the number of women in senior and in academic positions among the academic and general university staff and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.
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Application deadline: 08/11/2025
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