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Universität Wien

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PhD Opening in Soft Matter Physics, Biophysics, and Active Matter at the University of Vienna University of Vienna in Austria

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

University assistant predoctoral position at the University of Vienna with a basic salary of EUR 3,776.10 gross per month on a full-time basis, increased with credited professional experience. Employment duration is 4 years, initially limited to 1.5 years and automatically extended to 4 years if not terminated within the first 12 months by non-extension declaration.

Deadline

Oct 16, 2026

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Country

Austria

University

Universität Wien

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Keywords

Computer Science
Chemistry
Biomedical Engineering
Materials Science
Biophysics
Biology
Microscopy
Python Programming
Rheology
Soft Matter Physics
Active Matter
Light Scattering
Physics

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About this position

The University of Vienna is advertising a University assistant predoctoral position in the Faculty of Physics within the Soft Matter Experiments (SoMeX) Lab led by Prof. Roberto Cerbino. The project sits at the intersection of soft matter physics, biophysics, active matter, and experimental methods for complex fluids and biological systems.

The lab works on topics such as rheology and rheo-microscopy of complex fluids and soft materials, collective behaviour of cells and bacterial systems, microscopy and image analysis, Differential Dynamic Microscopy (DDM), microrheology, light scattering, and the development of new experimental methods and instrumentation. The environment is highly experimental and method-driven, with access to advanced microscopes, rheometers, optical tweezers, 3D printing, and integrated sample-preparation and cell-culture facilities.

This is a doctoral opening for candidates with a completed Master’s degree or Diploma in Physics, Biophysics, Soft Matter, Materials Science, or a closely related field. Strong quantitative skills are expected, especially scientific programming in Python or MATLAB, plus the ability to design a feasible experimental strategy and communicate clearly in English at C1 level. Helpful experience includes advanced imaging/rheology/scattering hardware, wet-lab work, cell culture, microbiology, image analysis, and instrument control.

The position is based at the University of Vienna in Austria. It is a 4-year employment, with a gross monthly salary of EUR 3,776.10 on a full-time basis, subject to experience crediting. The application deadline is 2026-10-16.

To apply, prepare a single PDF in English containing a motivation letter, scientific CV, degree certificate and transcript, a max 2-page conceptual research proposal, evidence of scientific writing, and contact details for two referees. Applications should be submitted via the University of Vienna job portal.

Funding details

University assistant predoctoral position at the University of Vienna with a basic salary of EUR 3,776.10 gross per month on a full-time basis, increased with credited professional experience. Employment duration is 4 years, initially limited to 1.5 years and automatically extended to 4 years if not terminated within the first 12 months by non-extension declaration.

What's required

Completed Master’s degree or Diploma in Physics, Biophysics, Soft Matter, Materials Science, or a closely related field. Applicants must demonstrate analytical and methodological design competence through a conceptual research proposal, technical literacy in advanced instrumentation with understanding of rheology and advanced optical microscopy, proficiency in scientific programming such as Python or MATLAB for quantitative data analysis, and excellent written and spoken English at C1 level. Desirable experience includes hands-on work with imaging/rheology/scattering hardware, wet-lab sample preparation, cell culture or microbiology, and image-analysis or instrument-control software. Candidates should be scientifically autonomous, collaborative, reliable, and able to complete a 4-year doctoral project.

How to apply

Submit a single English PDF including a motivation letter, scientific CV, academic credentials, a max 2-page conceptual research proposal, evidence of scientific writing, and references for two academic referees. Send the application through the University of Vienna job portal before the deadline.

More information can be found here

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