Kozminski University

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 predoctoral/PhD Candidate 51 Faculty of Physics Startdate: 01.05.2026 | Working hours: 30 | Collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) Limited until: 30.04.2030 Reference no.: 5504 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 influence: As a university assistant (PraeDoc) on this 4-year position, you will be part of the research group “Quantum Information Science and Quantum Computation”, led by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Philip Walther. The group is part of the Quantum Optics, Quantum Nanophysics & Quantum Information group at the Faculty of Physics, and a 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. You will also benefit from being a fellow of the Vienna Doctoral School in Physics (VDSP), being part of a thriving community with more than 100 quantum scientists on the premises, about 300 quantum researchers in Vienna. The Walther Group unites an international team of scientists who are passionate about research in quantum optics, quantum information and quantum technologies. Our 35 researchers, from undergraduate student and PhD candidate to postdoc, are working together on mostly experimental topics in small subgroups. Teamwork is a key factor in our group’s success. Together we have assembled a unique skill set and knowledge base in quantum information, quantum computation, quantum communication, quantum foundations as well as the quantum-gravity interface. Your future tasks: Active participation in research, teaching & administration, which means: You are involved in a specific and well-funded research project dedicated to experimental quantum optics in 2D materials. 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 contribute to teaching (lab courses, 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 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 your Master's degree or Diploma in Physics and written your thesis in the field of quantum optics or nonlinear optics in ultra-thin materials. You have experience with table-top experiments, photonic platforms, optical non-linear processes, quantum optics and ultra-thin 2D materials. You have experience in academic writing. You should have experience with the usual tools for advanced experiments: programming experience: MATLAB, Python, LaTeX. You have excellent command of written and spoken English. What we offer: 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. Potential for development: Success in life depends on what you make of it, but if you are ambitious and successful, there are plenty of opportunities to connect you to all relevant top research groups in the world. Internal further training & coaching: The Vienna Doctoral School as well as the department of human resources offer plenty of opportunities to grow your skills in over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge. Fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 3.776,10(40h/w, 14x p.a.) increases if we can credit professional experience. 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 by submitting a non-extension declaration. Equal opportunities for everyone: We look forward to diverse personalities in the team! It is that easy to apply: Your scientific curriculum vitae  A letter of motivation  Your bachelor's and master's degrees Title and abstract of your master's thesis Contact details of 2 references 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. University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365. Data protection Application deadline: 04/25/2026  Prae Doc

As a University of Applied Learning, SIT works closely with industry in our research pursuits. Our research staff will have the opportunity to be equipped with applied research skill sets that are relevant to industry demands while working on research projects in SIT. The primary responsibility of this role is to deliver an industry innovation research project as part of a research team developing molecular and sequencing workflows for microbial characterization. The work supports the rapid detection of microbial bioburden in biopharmaceutical cleaning validation using a Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) biosensor platform. Responsibilities include next-generation sequencing (NGS), qPCR-based molecular assays for microbial quantification and aptamer validation, and experimental support for aptamer discovery targeting environmental microorganisms listed in the US Pharmacopeia. Key Responsibilities Technical Responsibilities Perform microbial community characterization using next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms such as Illumina sequencing or Oxford Nanopore sequencing.  Design and perform qPCR-based molecular assays for microbial quantification and aptamer validation. Prepare DNA sequencing libraries, including nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and library preparation.  Conduct basic bioinformatics processing of sequencing data, including sequence quality control and taxonomic profiling where required. Support aptamer discovery and validation experiments, including nucleic acid preparation, amplification, and molecular characterization. Perform routine molecular biology techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA purification, and nucleic acid quantification. Maintain accurate laboratory records and experimental documentation. Research & Project Responsibilities Plan and execute experimental workflows to support project milestones related to microbial detection and biosensor development. Contribute to sequencing-based microbial profiling of environmental and cleaning validation samples. Work collaboratively with project investigators and interdisciplinary teams to integrate sequencing and molecular biology results with biosensor development. Prepare technical reports and contribute to scientific publications, presentations, and project documentation. Support generation of experimental data required for project validation and milestone reporting. Operational Responsibilities Ensure laboratory compliance with Work Safety and Health (WSH) regulations and institutional safety guidelines. Manage procurement and inventory of molecular biology and sequencing consumables. Maintain laboratory equipment used for molecular biology and sequencing workflows. Mentorship Support training of junior researchers, research assistants, and students where required.  Contribute to knowledge sharing within the research group. To communicate in any relevant internal or external stakeholders to ensure project deliverables are met. Any ad-hoc duties assigned by Supervisor. Job Requirements Essential Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or a related field. Possessing a Master’s or PhD degree will be advantageous Hands-on experience with next-generation sequencing technologies, such as Illumina or Oxford Nanopore sequencing platforms including sequencing library preparation Demonstrated experience working with environmental or low-biomass microbial samples. Demonstrated experience with DNA extraction and PCR amplification Demonstrated experience performing qPCR assays for nucleic acid quantification and molecular analysis, including troubleshooting Demonstrated experience with aptamer technologies or nucleic acid-based molecular recognition systems. Strong laboratory skills in molecular biology techniques. Preferred  Familiarity with microbial community sequencing workflows such as 16S rRNA sequencing or metagenomic analysis. Demonstrated experience with bioinformatics tools for sequencing data processing (e.g., quality control, taxonomic classification, microbial community analysis).  Demonstrated experience working in interdisciplinary or industry-linked research projects. Key Competencies Strong experimental design and troubleshooting skills in molecular biology.  Ability to independently conduct laboratory experiments and manage datasets. Strong scientific communication skills, including technical reporting and presentations. Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary research teams. Good organizational and project management skills.

The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) is a globally recognised academic institution dedicated to advancing scholarship and education on Islam and Muslim societies, with particular strength in Ismaili and broader Shi‘i studies. Based at the Aga Khan Centre in London, IIS combines rigorous academic inquiry with a commitment to serving diverse Ismaili communities worldwide, while engaging with academic, cultural and policy audiences. Its strategic focus over the coming decade is on strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing collaboration and delivering greater impact through operational excellence. The Institute now seeks to appoint to the new role of Chief Operating Officer to work in close partnership with the Director and Board of Governors. This is a pivotal role, responsible for ensuring that strategic priorities are translated into effective operational delivery and that the organisation is equipped to meet its ambitions. The COO will lead The Institute’s core corporate functions, including Finance, People and Culture and IT, ensuring they operate cohesively and in alignment with institutional priorities. They will support sustainable financial planning, robust governance and effective risk management, while driving continuous improvement in systems, processes and performance. The role also carries responsibility for overseeing major projects and ensuring that operational plans support long-term strategic objectives. The breadth of the position requires close engagement across The Institute and with external stakeholders, including governors, partners and regulators. The successful candidate will be an effective communicator, able to operate with clarity and credibility across all levels of the organisation, building alignment and trust in a complex environment. They will also be a strong people leader, with a track record of developing high-performing, collaborative teams and fostering an inclusive and supportive culture. The ability to manage, motivate and build capability across professional services functions will be central to success. This role is suited to an experienced and strategically minded leader, with a proven track record of delivery, whether already operating at COO level or stepping up from a senior functional role. Experience of complex, multi-stakeholder environments will be important, as will the ability to connect strategy with delivery. Experience in higher education or other mission-driven settings would be helpful but is not essential. Of greater importance is a deep respect for The Institute’s values and the ability to engage thoughtfully within its distinctive cultural and community context. For full details please visit www.andersonquigley.com/iis Closing date: Midday, Monday 11 May 2026. The Institute of Ismaili Studies is committed to inclusivity, equity and respect in all aspects of its work. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds who can contribute to the diversity and strength of our community.