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 postdoctoral
262 Research Network Quantum Aspects of Space Time
Startdate: 01.08.2026 | Working hours: 40 | Collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc)
Limited until: 30.09.2028
Reference no.: 5886
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 activity:
The research group “Quantum Information Science and Quantum Computation”, led by Univ.- Prof. Dr. Philip Walther, is part of the Quantum Optics, Quantum Nanophysics & Quantum Information at the Faculty of Physics, and 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 range 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.
The research will take place in the environment of the Research Network for Quantum Aspects of Time (TURIS), which is a joined network of the University of Vienna and the Austrian Academy of Science. TURIS was established as a joint effort of new approaches that address the Big Question of interfacing quantum physics with gravity.
For our further reinforcement we are looking for a PostDoc that supports in particular the research on developing sub nano second synchronization of light sources for quantum gravity measurements. The position is currently limited to 2 years with the possibility of an extension, dependent on the renewal of the TURIS network.
Your future tasks:
Active participation in research, teaching & administration, which means:
- You develop and strengthen an independent research profile.
- You are involved in research projects/research studies.
- You publish international and give presentations.
- You are responsible for project applications and the acquisition of third-party funding.
- You hold courses independently as defined by the collective agreement.
- You (co-)supervise bachelor, master, and PhD students, and you independently propose bachelor, master, and PhD projects to this end.
- You participate in evaluation measures and quality assurance.
- You are involved in the department administration as well as in teaching and research administration.
This is part of your personality:
- You have completed a Doctoral degree/PhD degree in physics
- You have more than 3 years’ experience as a Postdoctoral researcher in experimental quantum optics
- You have profound expertise in experimental quantum optics, quantum control, and in the development of control systems for quantum optics experiments based on FPGAs)
- You have experience with Python, LaTeX and MATLAB, Hadrware description languages, PCB design for high-speed frequencies.
- Your research competence and initiative are proven through international publications (in renowned, subject-relevant, peer-reviewed media)
- You have a high ability to express yourself clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
- You have excellent command of written and spoken English
- You ideally have teaching experience and are motivated to communicate knowledge to students
- You ideally have experience with superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors, quantum-dot single photon sources and SPDC
- You ideally have experience in project application
- You have the ability to work independently and collaboratively and handle several concurrent, fast-paced projects
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 part of an international academic team with excellent research infrastructure in a relaxed working environment.
- Good public transport connections: Your new workplace in the center of 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 adequate salary: the basic salary of EUR 5.014,30 (14 times a year for senior scientists postdoctoral) The actual salary is finally determined depending on professional experience and qualification.
- Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!
It is that easy to apply:
Please prepare your application which includes:
- Letter of motivation
- Academic curriculum vitae (including a list of publications, a list of courses taught and a list of talks given)
- Description of research interests and research agenda
- Doctoral degree
- Contact details of 2 people who could provide a letter of reference
Via our job portal/ Apply now - button
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.
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Application deadline: 07/20/2026
Post Doc
https://jobs.univie.ac.at/job-invite/5886
TECHNICAL & MARKET ANALYSIS | Appended by Quantum.Jobs
The emergence of Postdoctoral University Assistants within specialized research networks like TURIS represents a critical structural pivot in the quantum ecosystem, bridging the gap between fundamental physics and industrial-grade technology. As the sector transitions from exploratory laboratory setups to high-precision, scalable architectures, the necessity for roles that can synchronize advanced light sources and synchronize gravitational interfaces becomes a primary determinant of future sensing and communication standards. These positions serve as essential stabilization points in the research-to-translation pipeline, addressing the systemic "translation gap" by developing the high-speed synchronization protocols required for next-generation quantum networks. Market signals from the Quantum Economic Development Consortium and national technology strategies suggest that such specialized academic expertise is fundamental to mitigating the risks of technology fragmentation in the global deep-tech value chain. By anchoring fundamental discovery in rigorous systems engineering, this role type secures the architectural foundation for long-term quantum advantage and sovereign technology leadership.
The global quantum landscape is undergoing a decisive shift from proof-of-concept experiments to the integration of high-fidelity photonic kernels within complex, hybrid computational and sensing environments. While hardware modalities proliferate, a primary bottleneck for the advancement of quantum communications and sensing lies in the precision control and synchronization of distributed nodes. Current industry dynamics, heavily influenced by public-private funding cycles and the establishment of regional quantum hubs, place a premium on roles that can bridge the interface between quantum optics and precision metrology. This structural layer of expertise is the primary mechanism for maintaining momentum as photonic technologies transition through varying Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs).
Workforce scarcity remains particularly acute at the intersection of experimental quantum optics and high-speed digital control systems. As research networks move beyond initial foundational queries, the ecosystem requires specialized researchers capable of navigating the fragmentation of the control stack and the lack of standardized synchronization protocols. This scarcity is compounded by the increasing complexity of integrating cryogenic superconducting detectors with room-temperature electronics, a high-risk dependency for the entire sector. The evolution of the value chain depends on the ability to translate abstract quantum foundations into deterministic technology roadmaps without losing the precision required for fundamental discovery.
Sector-wide efforts continue to address talent and integration challenges in quantum systems, particularly regarding the scalability of multiphoton platforms. The availability of postdoctoral researchers capable of orchestrating cross-functional dependencies between integrated optics and solid-state sources is a primary determinant of whether research hubs can successfully transition from basic science to platform-level utility. Consequently, the role of the postdoctoral assistant is evolving into a high-leverage function that stabilizes the early-stage R&D ecosystem against the volatility of emerging technology cycles.
The capability architecture for this role type centers on the synchronization of advanced quantum photonic research with the protocols of high-speed systems engineering. Mastery of the hardware-software interface, specifically involving field-programmable gate arrays and custom electronic control systems, is essential for ensuring that experiments achieve the nanosecond-level precision required for quantum-gravity measurements and large-scale entanglement distribution. This requires a deep understanding of the integration points between high-level modeling environments and the physical layer of superconducting detectors and non-linear optical media.
These capabilities are fundamental to the throughput of research organizations, as they enable the parallelization of fundamental discovery alongside the development of scalable technology architectures. By establishing rigorous verification frameworks for photon synchronization and source stability, this function provides the leverage needed to assess the technical feasibility of future quantum-secure infrastructures before full-scale resource allocation. Furthermore, the ability to manage complex cross-institutional collaborations ensures that academic outputs are reconciled with the practical constraints of industrial interoperability and standardized benchmarking. Such expertise reduces the iteration friction between abstract physics and the deployment of scalable quantum-as-a-service (QaaS) components. - Accelerates the deterministic transition from foundational quantum research to scalable photonic technology applications
- Mitigates systemic execution risks by synchronizing long-term research cycles with near-term hardware roadmaps
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- Orchestrates the convergence of academic research pathways with the practical demands of global quantum-ready servicesIndustry Tags: Quantum Optics, Photonic Integration, Quantum Information Science, Precision Metrology, FPGA Control Systems, Quantum Gravity, TRL Progression, Research Translation, Deep Tech Workforce
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