University Assistant Predoctoral, Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy

53 Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy
Startdate: 01.08.2025 | Working hours: 30 | Collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)
Limited until: 31.07.2029
Reference no.: 2159

More than 7,500 academics at the University of Vienna thrive on continuous exploration and curiosity and help us better understand our world. Does this sound like you? Then join our accomplished team!

Your personal sphere of influence:

The Department of Mineralogy and Crystallography is currently accepting applications for one open predoctoral position in the field of high-pressure crystallography with a research topic on the behaviour and properties of inorganic salt-hydrate phases under non-ambient conditions in potential application as low-temperature energy storage materials. The experimentally oriented research encompasses the thermochemical properties of induced hydration changes under variable pressures and temperatures, and the behavior of the polymorphic forms involved under technically relevant pressure-temperature conditions. Analytical laboratory work includes in-situ measurements using X-ray diffraction, vibrational spectroscopy, and the application of thermoanalytical methods. Time-resolved measurements to determine the kinetic parameters of the relevant transformations will play a central role in the work, which will also be carried out partly at large-scale research facilities (synchrotron). The preparation of project and progress reports is another component of the activities. Moderate integration into university teaching is planned.

Your future tasks:

The doctoral project will be conducted within the "Vienna International School of Earth and Space Sciences (VISESS)" at the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy (FGGA), University of Vienna. You actively participate in research, teaching and administration, which includes:

• Involvement in research projects and scientific activities related to the above-described research topic
• Carrying out laboratory work and measurements on the instruments of the research groups involved in this joint research project at the University of Vienna and TU Vienna
• Participating in beamtime campaigns at large-scale facilities (i.e. dedicated synchrotron beamlines)
• Finalizing your dissertation agreement within 12 months
• Participation in teaching of courses and exam supervision as defined by the collective agreement
• Supervision of students, in particular for laboratory activities
• Taking on administrative tasks in research and teaching, including writing of obligatory annual research reports
• Being active team member of the Department of Mineralogy and Crystallography
• Becoming an active doctoral student member of the "Vienna International School of Earth and Space Sciences"

This is part of your personality:

• Experiences in experimental in-situ techniques at non-ambient conditions (high-pressure devices, diamond-anvil cell)
• Sound knowledge in X-ray crystallography and the application of single-crystal techniques, powder diffraction and/or multi-grain crystallography is required
• Solid written and spoken English is expected, conversation skills in German are desired

What we offer:

Work-life balance: All our team members enjoy flexible and family-friendly working hours and the possibilty to partly work from home within Austria (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 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 3.714,80 (on a full-time basis; 14 times a year) increases if we can credit professional experience.
Equal opportunities for everyone: We look forward to diverse personalities in the team!
Duration of contract: We aim to fill the position by 01 August or 01 September 2025. The employment duration is 4 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 4 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months.

It is that easy to apply:

Submit your scientific curriculum vitae along with:

• letter of intent
• Certificate(s) of scientific degree(s)

Apply now via our Job Portal: Green "Apply now" button below

If you have any questions, please contact:

Ronald Miletich-Pawliczek

ronald.miletich@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.

University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.

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​Application deadline: 07/21/2025 

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