San Diego State 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: 01.07.2026 | Working hours: 30 | Collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) Limited until: 30.06.2030 Reference no.: 5596 “How does a quantum object gravitate?”, “How far can we push massive objects into the quantum regime?”, “How well can we measure gravity of microscopic systems?”. Such questions and their implications for the foundations of physics are the driving force behind our research. You will be part of our team and develop new ideas, technologies and experiments to provide new insights on macroscopic quantum physics, on gravity at small scales and, in the long run, on the phenomenology of the gravity-quantum interface in table-top experiments. Your personal sphere of influence: As a university assistant (praedoc) on this 4 year position, you will be part of the Aspelmeyer group, and you will be exploring fundamentals and applications of macrosopic quantum coherence in levitated solidstate platforms. Our Team is part of the Quantum Optics, Quantum Nanophysics and Quantum Information group of the Faculty of Physics. We are member of the Vienna Center for Quantum Science and Technology (VCQ), one of the largest quantum hubs in Europe, and of the Austrian Cluster of Excellence (quantA), advancing basic research in quantum sciences, aiming to expand the frontiers of knowledge and thus being the engine for future innovations. You will also benefit from being fellow of the Vienna Doctoral School in Physics (VDSP), being part of a thriving community with more than 100 quantum scientists on premise, about 300 quantum researchers in Vienna. The main research activities of the Aspelmeyer group include quantum optical control of levitated solid state objects, the exploration of their quantum properties for fundamental questions and novel quantum technology platforms, as well as precision measurements of ultra-weak gravitational forces. On the quantum side, we explore the extreme regime of motional quantum states of solids and their interactions to understand how to maximize mass, delocalization, and coherence time in quantum experiments. On the gravity side, we explore the extreme regime of gravitational phenomena of miniature source masses to understand how to isolate gravity from all other interactions on a microscopic scale. Our main motivation is to explore the interface between quantum physics and gravity with new experimental platforms. Your future tasks: You will actively participate in research, teaching & administration. This means: You are involved in a specific and well-funded research project, here focused on exploring fundamentals and applications of quantum control in levitated solid-state platforms. 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. We expect a large degree of independence paired with a high level of social awareness as the goal will only be achieved in a team. 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 will 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 master thesis in the field of experimental quantum optics, quantum optomechanics or quantum control. You have experience in academic writing (highly desirable). You have a solid background in experimental quantum optics, opto-mechanics and optical or diamagnetic levitation. You have experience with the usual tools for advanced experiments: homodyne and heterodyne detection, programming. You have an 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 (full-time basis, 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 summary of your previous academic and research achievements. Tell us what you’re proud of. A short statement on your research interests for the future. Tell us what you dream about, scientifically. Your Bachelor’s and Master‘s degree: an excellent academic degree is a good entrance statement for this position. Abstract of your Master's Thesis. If you have any content questions, please contact: Markus Aspelmeyer markus.aspelmeyer@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: 05/14/2026 Prae Doc

At the heart of SIT’s mission is to nurture industry-ready graduates equipped with deep technical expertise and transferable skills to tackle tomorrow’s challenges. SIT collaborates with industry in our education, while benefitting them with our talent supply and collaborative research achievements. The University’s unique applied learning pedagogy integrates work and study, embedding authentic learning experiences within real-world environments. Through strategic partnerships forged by our faculty with industry, learners bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application in and out of the classroom. Such active & authentic learning opportunities ensures graduates step into their careers with applicable skills and competence. In research, SIT faculty aims to bridge knowledge creation and utilisation. Our faculty collaborates closely with industry on translational research and innovation with focus on addressing pertinent industry challenges to impact businesses. The Singapore Teaching and Academic Research Talent (START) Scheme is co-funded by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and SIT to encourage and support outstanding young Singaporeans interested in pursuing an academic career at SIT. The Applied Research Fellowship aims to provide doctoral candidates who are about to complete or have recently completed their studies an opportunity to engage in advanced training and/or research at an overseas university for one year. Besides financial support, awardees will also receive academic mentorship. Upon completion of the Fellowship, awardees will be considered for Assistant Professorship. Eligibility and Selection Criteria Singapore citizen Doctoral candidates who have recently completed or are about to complete their studies in a discipline under the supported areas for START below Excellent academic record plus a high degree of proficiency and motivation for selected research area Have been accepted or have applied for a postdoctoral training at a leading overseas university in a research area that is aligned with SIT’s supported areas A keen interest in an academic career Value of Fellowship The Fellowship provides: Monthly stipend Overseas maintenance allowance Return economy airfare Conference and fieldwork grants Overseas medical insurance Fellows will also each be assigned a SIT faculty mentor throughout their post-doctoral training and have opportunities to participate in faculty development programmes. The fellowship is tenable for one year. On an exception basis, a two-year programme may be supported. Service Commitment One year for every year of sponsorship. Application Process Applications are open throughout the year via the various links below. Applications received before 15 January 2026 will be considered for the 2026 intake. Interview by the respective clusters for shortlisted applicants will be conducted throughout the year. Final Interview by the Panel for shortlisted applicants for the 2026 intake will commence in Mid-March to End April 2026. Awards will be finalised by July 2026. Supported Areas for START - Engineering Energy Resilience: Power electronic converters for distributed energy resources and microgrids; High voltage DC transmission and distribution components and systems; Electric propulsions systems for land, sea and air; Wide bandgap solid-state protective devices. Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering and Maintenance: Construction technology, Tunnel engineering, Integrated BIM for Civil and MEP design optimisation; Non-destructive testing and prognostic maintenance for infrastructure rejuvenation and life extension. Sustainable Maritime Engineering: Ship design and optimisation towards maritime decarbonisation; maritime battery room design for safety; intelligent ship and operations; autonomous vessels and systems.

At the heart of SIT’s mission is to nurture industry-ready graduates equipped with deep technical expertise and transferable skills to tackle tomorrow’s challenges. SIT collaborates with industry in our education, while benefitting them with our talent supply and collaborative research achievements. The University’s unique applied learning pedagogy integrates work and study, embedding authentic learning experiences within real-world environments. Through strategic partnerships forged by our faculty with industry, learners bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application in and out of the classroom. Such active & authentic learning opportunities ensures graduates step into their careers with applicable skills and competence. In research, SIT faculty aims to bridge knowledge creation and utilisation. Our faculty collaborates closely with industry on translational research and innovation with focus on addressing pertinent industry challenges to impact businesses. The Singapore Teaching and Academic Research Talent (START) Scheme is co-funded by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and SIT to encourage and support outstanding young Singaporeans interested in pursuing an academic career at SIT. The Applied Research Fellowship aims to provide doctoral candidates who are about to complete or have recently completed their studies an opportunity to engage in advanced training and/or research at an overseas university for one year. Besides financial support, awardees will also receive academic mentorship. Upon completion of the Fellowship, awardees will be considered for Assistant Professorship. Eligibility and Selection Criteria Singapore citizen Doctoral candidates who have recently completed or are about to complete their studies in a discipline under the supported areas for START below Excellent academic record plus a high degree of proficiency and motivation for selected research area Have been accepted or have applied for a postdoctoral training at a leading overseas university in a research area that is aligned with SIT’s supported areas A keen interest in an academic career Value of Fellowship The Fellowship provides: Monthly stipend Overseas maintenance allowance Return economy airfare Conference and fieldwork grants Overseas medical insurance Fellows will also each be assigned a SIT faculty mentor throughout their post-doctoral training and have opportunities to participate in faculty development programmes. The fellowship is tenable for one year. On an exception basis, a two-year programme may be supported. Service Commitment One year for every year of sponsorship. Application Process Applications are open throughout the year via the various links below. Applications received before 15 January 2026 will be considered for the 2026 intake. Interview by the respective clusters for shortlisted applicants will be conducted throughout the year.   Final Interview by the Panel for shortlisted applicants for the 2026 intake will commence in Mid-March to End April 2026. Awards will be finalised by July 2026. Supported Areas for START - Business, Communication and Design Financial and Sustainability Accounting: The measurement, reporting, and analysis of an organisation's financial performance alongside its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and carbon footprint. Integrating traditional financial accounting principles with sustainability considerations to provide stakeholders with a more comprehensive view of a company's long-term value creation. Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE): The planning, management, and execution of business events, corporate gatherings, and large-scale conferences. This field is a key segment of the tourism and hospitality industry, requiring expertise in event management, business tourism, marketing, logistics, and stakeholder engagement.