The world is changing at an ever-faster pace. At the Johannes Kepler University Linz, we work on technologies and the ideas of tomorrow on a daily basis. At the same time, we educate over 25,500 young people to meet the demands of today’s job market. In short, we are Upper Austria’s largest institution for education and research. Are you interested in being a part of shaping the future of Austria’s most attractive campus university? We currently have a job opening for a: University Assistant (must hold a Doctorate/Ph.D. degree) for a full-time, three-year position
Organizational unit: Abteilung für Licht-Materie-Wechselwirkung Entry date: 04/01/2026 Term from 04/01/2026 Temporary employment to: 03/31/2029 Job Reference Number: 32210-2026-001782 The Division for Light-Matter Interaction at the Institute of Semiconductor and Solid State Physics is looking for a postdoctoral researcher in the field of quantum optical science and technologies. The group is performing experiments in the fields of single emitter spectroscopy, atomic vapors, integrated quantum optics, levitated nanoparticles, metasurfaces, and quantum sensing. In this newly established division, we seek an expert in any of the above areas. We further are happy to support novel ideas and research directions related to these areas. Work will take place in our newly established optics labs and access to a state-of-the-art clean room at the Open Innovation Center is available. Job Duties:
Research activities in the field of quantum science and technology Participation in setting up quantum optical laboratories Writing scientific publications and grant applications Participation in teaching activities Guidance of Bachelor, Master and PhD students Participation in outreach activities Participation in scientific conferences
Your Qualifications:
The successful candidate must hold a Doctorate/Ph.D degree in physics or equivalent university studies Broad knowledge in the field of quantum optics Experience in assembling quantum optical setups and/or experience in working with cryogenic microscopes and/or experience in setting up optical laboratories and/or experience in fabrication and design of integrated optics Good communication skills Strong problem solving skills Good skills in the English language / Level C1, German is a plus
What We Offer:
On the basis of full-time employment (40 hours/week) the minimum salary in accordance with the collective agreement is € 5,014.30 gross per month (14 x per year, CA Job Grade: B1) Stable employer Attractive campus environment with good public transportation connections Attractive continual educational opportunities State-of-the-art research infrastructure Dynamic research environment Broad range of on-campus dining services/healthy meals (organic food at the cafeteria) Exercise and sports classes (USI) …and much more
Application due date 02/25/2026 The Johannes Kepler University wishes to increase the proportion of academic female faculty and, for this reason, especially welcomes applications by qualified women. If applicants are equally qualified, a woman will be given preference for this position. The university welcomes applications from qualified applicants with disabilities. These applications will be given special consideration. Contact: If you have questions, please contact: Univ. Prof. Dr. Andreas W. Schell, P +43 732 2468 9606, E-mail: andreas.schell@jku.at. Exertion place address Altenberger Straße 69, 4040 Linz
TECHNICAL & MARKET ANALYSIS | Appended by Quantum.Jobs
This postdoctoral research position is structurally essential for bridging fundamental quantum science with deployable technology readiness levels (TRL). The role exists within the critical academic-to-commercial translation pathway, directly impacting the discovery and validation phases required for next-generation quantum sensors and communication systems. Academic research functions like this mitigate TRL risk by rigorously proving physical concepts before large-scale industrial investment, addressing the persistent talent pipeline scarcity in experimental physics necessary for hardware innovation.
The global quantum ecosystem remains heavily reliant on academic institutions like JKU Linz for foundational advancements in quantum optical systems and experimental metrology. A critical bottleneck in commercialization is the maturation of quantum light-matter interactions, particularly in solid-state and integrated platforms for scalability. These research roles contribute directly to the upstream value chain by refining coherence, entanglement generation, and detection mechanisms, areas where technological limits are currently defined by laboratory-scale performance. The focus on single emitter spectroscopy, integrated quantum optics, and quantum sensing is timely, reflecting broader sector efforts to move quantum capabilities out of cryogenic environments and onto deployable chips. Public funding cycles globally prioritize demonstrable progress in these experimental domains to accelerate the move from Qubit-level control to system-level integration. Furthermore, positions involved in both research and instruction are crucial in mitigating the severe global workforce shortage of PhD-level quantum engineers, serving as necessary training nodes that feed specialized talent into both industry and continued academia. Without consistent experimental breakthroughs and the subsequent knowledge transfer facilitated by researchers, TRL stagnation risks delaying the widespread adoption of quantum technologies.
The technical architecture underpinning this research involves mastery over precision experimental setups and low-noise measurement environments. Key capability domains include quantum-limited measurement techniques, specialized optical and cryogenic instrumentation, and the engineering of material interfaces—such as integrated optical components and solid-state matrices—designed to host quantum emitters. Expertise in digital control systems and robust data acquisition is mandatory for achieving reproducible experimental results and maintaining the necessary signal-to-noise ratio in quantum systems. This fusion of physics, advanced engineering, and informatics is required to characterize novel quantum phenomena, translate theoretical models into physical hardware, and generate the empirical data sets necessary for validation and subsequent intellectual property generation. The capacity to operate state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities further links fundamental physics discoveries to fabrication techniques essential for scaling integrated quantum devices.
Accelerates the TRL progression for advanced quantum sensors.
Deepens empirical understanding of light-matter interaction phenomena.
Establishes validated protocols for integrated quantum optical components.
Generates specialized intellectual property critical for quantum hardware development.
Enhances the institutional capability for securing competitive research grants.
Mitigates the talent pipeline deficit in experimental quantum physics.
Supports global efforts to standardize quantum measurement techniques.
Drives the development of next-generation quantum communication protocols.
Increases research throughput for single-photon source characterization.
Contributes foundational data for commercialization pathways in quantum sensing.
Fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration between physics and materials science.
Shapes the curriculum and training for future quantum technologists.
Industry Tags: Quantum Optics, Integrated Photonics, Quantum Sensing, Experimental Physics, Solid-State Quantum Emitters, Atomic Vapors, Metrology, Cryogenic Spectroscopy, Quantum Communication, Research and Development
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