The University of Vienna is a community of almost 11,000 individuals, including approximately 7,700 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
51 Faculty of Physics
Startdate: 01.09.2026 | Working hours: 30 | Collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)
Limited until: 31.08.2029
Reference no.: 5834
Are you interested in fundamental questions in theoretical physics and in the mathematical structures underlying quantum field theory? The Mathematical Physics Group at the Faculty of Physics of the University of Vienna invites applications for a PhD position in theoretical and mathematical physics. The doctoral project will focus on modern aspects of quantum field theory and holography, broadly including infrared physics, flat-space holography, conformal and Carrollian field theories, higher-spin structures, and generalized symmetries. The precise focus will be defined during the initial phase of the appointment in accordance with the aims of the position and the background of the successful candidate.
Your personal sphere of influence:
As a university assistant predoctoral, you will join the Mathematical Physics Group at the Faculty of Physics. The position is intended for a doctoral project in theoretical and mathematical physics, broadly within the area of quantum field theory and related mathematical structures.
Possible research directions include infrared aspects of quantum field theory and gravity, flat-space holography, algebraic approaches to quantum field theory, relations between AdS/CFT and flat-space or Carrollian/celestial limits, higher-spin structures, conformal field theory, and generalized symmetries. The concrete doctoral project will take into account the previous expertise, interests and strengths of the successful candidate.
The group offers a research environment for candidates who are interested in fundamental questions and who want to develop a strong and independent profile in theoretical physics. You will also benefit from the broader research environment of the Faculty of Physics and the Vienna Doctoral School in Physics, which connects PhD students across all areas of physics.
Your future tasks:
You actively participate in research, teaching & administration, which means:
- You will work on a doctoral project in theoretical and mathematical physics, broadly connected to quantum field theory, conformal field theory, holography, infrared physics, higher-spin theory and/or generalized symmetries.
- 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 work on your dissertation and towards its completion in time, with a high level of independence.
- You will contribute to teaching (mainly exercise classes) within the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
- You will fill some administrative tasks, contributing to the success and self-organization of the group for research, teaching and administration.
- You will actively participate in seminars, group meetings, and other activities of the group.
- You will continuously stay informed about the state of the art in your field.
- You contribute to outreach by publications, conference presentations and public activities.
This is part of your personality:
- You have completed, or will complete before the starting date, a Master’s degree or Diploma in physics, mathematical physics or a closely related field.
- Your Master’s thesis was in theoretical physics, mathematical physics or a closely related area, preferably connected to quantum field theory, conformal field theory, mathematical aspects of QFT, holography, gravity, higher-spin theory, generalized symmetries or related topics.
- You have a profound background in theoretical physics and mathematics.
- You have excellent grades in advanced theoretical and mathematical courses during your studies.
- You have a solid working knowledge of quantum field theory, and you are willing to deepen your expertise in the mathematical structures relevant for the dissertation project.
- You are able to read and work with advanced research literature independently.
- You have experience in scientific writing, for example through a Master’s thesis or comparable written research work.
- You have an excellent command of written and spoken English.
- You are motivated to work independently while also contributing constructively to a research group.
- Previous knowledge of one or more of the following areas is desirable: conformal field theory, algebraic quantum field theory, general relativity, holography, representation theory, differential geometry, higher-spin theory, generalized symmetries, or related mathematical methods.
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 2,832.08 for 30 hours/week, 14x p.a., increases if we can credit professional experience.
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.
Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!
It is that easy to apply:
- With your scientific curriculum vitae
- With a letter of motivation explaining your previous academic and research achievements, your research interests and your fit for the advertised research area
- With your Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates, or current confirmation that the Master’s degree will be completed before the starting date
- With transcripts of records from your Bachelor’s and Master’s studies
- With your Master’s thesis, or, if it is not yet completed, a draft, extended abstract or summary of the thesis project
- Via our job portal / Apply now - button
(https://careers.univie.ac.at/en/, reference number 5834)
• Applicants should arrange a letter of reference sent to theor-physik@univie.ac.at before the deadline.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Stefan Fredenhagen
stefan.fredenhagen@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: 07/19/2026
Prae Doc
TECHNICAL & MARKET ANALYSIS | Appended by Quantum.Jobs
The emergence of predoctoral research roles within mathematical and theoretical physics addresses a foundational necessity in the deep-tech pipeline: bridging abstract mathematical structures with the predictive models that underpin future quantum technologies. As classical computing thresholds near physical limits, the structural development of early-stage researchers specializing in quantum field theory and holography serves as a long-term talent supply guarantee for both academic institutions and deep-tech research laboratories. Rather than producing immediate commercial applications, these early-career functions secure the fundamental theoretical validation necessary to expand the boundary of actionable physical laws. By developing a standardized, mathematically rigorous workforce at the predoctoral level, the ecosystem mitigates the systemic risk of talent stagnation within the highly specialized domains of high-energy and mathematical physics. Consequently, this role type underpins the intellectual infrastructure required to sustain multi-decade technology roadmaps and ensure continuity in foundational scientific discovery.
The academic research tier occupies a unique positioning within the broader quantum value chain, serving as the ultimate source for alternative computing paradigms, algorithmic frameworks, and deep physical insights. Predoctoral positions act as the primary mechanism for scientific talent cultivation, translating advanced master-level foundational knowledge into structured, independent research capacity. This developmental stage is critical for the ecosystem, as the transition from highly structured textbook physics to ambiguous, frontier research requires specialized institutional scaffolding.
A major macro constraint confronting the sector is the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) mismatch between highly speculative theoretical mathematical models and short-term commercial deployment goals. While corporate quantum entities prioritize near-term noisy intermediate-scale quantum software optimization, the long-term viability of the ecosystem relies on fundamental discoveries in quantum field theory, generalized symmetries, and holography to unlock fault-tolerant methodologies. Public funding cycles heavily influence these early-stage pipelines, rendering university infrastructure the most stable locus for non-commercial, curiosity-driven exploration that may take decades to commercialize.
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The capability architecture for predoctoral researchers in this domain centers on the mastery of advanced mathematical frameworks and quantum field theories. Mastery of algebraic, conformal, and Carrollian field theories provides the structural foundation required to model complex physical systems without relying on classical shortcuts. These mathematical competencies are essential to the throughput of high-energy physics departments, as they enable the formal validation of dualities, holographic limits, and infrared structures.
Additionally, the capability to interface with advanced research literature and formulate independent hypotheses reduces the operational dependencies of principal investigators, optimizing institutional research velocity. This conceptual baseline is increasingly coupled with computational theorem proving and algebraic computing tooling, ensuring that theoretical proofs maintain extreme logical consistency. By establishing these precise analytical capability domains early in the career path, the academic value chain ensures that future senior scientists can seamlessly lead complex theoretical investigations or translate mathematical insights into functional computational design rules. - Accelerates the long-term talent pipeline development for international quantum research laboratories and academic departments
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- Orchestrates the intersection of rigorous mathematical physics methodology with the emerging demands of complex systems analysisIndustry Tags: Mathematical Physics, Quantum Field Theory, High-Energy Physics, Academic Research Pipeline, Holography, Theoretical Physics Talent, Conformal Field Theory, Higher-Spin Structures, Doctoral Training Enablement
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