University Assistant Prae-Doc (all genders)

Job title:

University Assistant Prae-Doc (all genders)

Company

Technische Universität Wien

Job description

30 hours/week | limited to 4 yearsTU Wien is Austria’s largest institution of research and higher education in the fields of technology and natural sciences. With over 26,000 students and more than 4000 scientists, research, teaching, and learning dedicated to the advancement of science and technology have been conducted here for more than 200 years, guided by the motto “Technology for People”. As a driver of innovation, TU Wien fosters close collaboration with business and industry and contributes to the prosperity of society.At the Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, in the Research Group for Applied Solid State Chemistry TU Wien is offering a position as university assistant (prae-doc) limited to expected 4 years for 30 hours/week. Expected start: November 2025.The group of Prof. Thomas Sheppard is active at the interface of chemistry, chemical engineering, and physics. We combine fundamental and applied research in the field of heterogeneous catalysis, with the development of advanced characterisation tools based on spectroscopy, diffraction, and imaging. Activities are focused on designing, characterising, and improving catalytic systems and other functional materials. This comes from applying in situ / operando methods to study systems at work, as well as spatially-resolved methods to cross the pressure and scale gap between model laboratory based systems and industrial applications. Research using synchrotron radiation (X-rays) and other large-scale facilities is also an important component of our work. As an inclusive and cross-disciplinary group, we welcome motivated students and researchers from a broad range of scientific backgrounds.Tasks:

• Operate and maintain reactor setups for gas/liquid phase catalysis
• Work on reactions relevant for chemical energy storage/conversion (e.g. CO/CO2 hydrogenation, syngas generation, hydrogen generation, or similar)
• Apply in situ / operando methods to understand structure-activity relations in solid catalysts
• Develop broad competence in catalyst characterisation by spectroscopy, diffraction, and microscopy
• Participate in measurement campaigns at synchrotron light sources and other large-scale research facilities
• Collect, treat, and interpret research data effectively and efficiently according to FAIR principles
• Participate in supervision and mentoring of students (Bachelor/Master level)
• Participate in scientific events, including national and international conferences, workshops, etc.
• Assist and collaborate in organizational and administrative tasks within the research group
• Write a dissertation (doctoral thesis) and publications in scientific journals

Your profile:

• Completion of a master or diploma curriculum in one of these fields: chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science
• Clear motivation for pursuing scientific training and research at the PhD level
• Experience in at least one of the following areas: i) heterogeneous catalysis, including strong practical laboratory skills; ii) characterisation of functional materials by spectroscopy, diffraction, or microscopy; iii) in situ / operando methods in the context of catalysis
• Previous experience with synchrotron radiation sources is not required, but willingness to learn is an advantage
• Knowledge of scientific programming in the context of chemistry (e.g. Python, R, MATLAB) or willingness to learn is an advantage
• Fluent in English (level B2 or C1) with strong communication skills and team competences
• Knowledge of German is not a requirement but willingness to learn is an advantage. Working language of the group is English

We offer:

• 4 year PhD project offering sufficient time to develop or learn new skills, and perform high quality research
• Effective mentoring and guidance within the research project
• Opportunity for further training and development, targeted towards achieving your specified career goals
• Working group which values individual ideas, while encouraging collaborative teamwork to solve scientific problems
• Interesting and interdisciplinary work environment, with the opportunity to regularly participate in experiment campaigns at large-scale international research centres (synchrotron light sources)
• Opportunity to actively participate in research-led teaching, organisation of workshops/schools, and other relevant academic administration
• A range of attractive social benefits (see

) * Central location of workplace as well as good accessibility (U1/U4 Karlsplatz)TU Wien is committed to increasing the proportion of women in particular in leadership positions. Female applicants are explicitly encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to women when equally qualified, unless reasons specific to a male applicant tilt the balance in his favour.People with special needs are equally encouraged to apply. In case of any questions, please contact the confidant for disabled persons at the university, Mr. Gerhard Neustätter.Entry level salary is determined by the pay grade B1 of the Austrian collective agreement for university staff. This is a minimum of currently EUR 2,786.10/month gross, 14 times/year for 30 hours/week. Relevant working experiences may increase the monthly income.We look forward to receiving your application until 28.08.2025.

Expected salary

Location

Wien

Job date

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 23:53:35 GMT

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