University Assistant Prae-Doc (PhD) in Materials Chemistry and Catalysis at TU Wien TU Wien in Austria

TU Wien, Austria's largest institution for research and higher education in technology and natural sciences, is offering a PhD position as University Assistant Prae-Doc at the Institute of Materials Chemistry, within the Research Group for Technical Catalysis. The position is limited to four years, with a workload of 30 hours per week, and is expected to start in May 2026.

The research group focuses on the development and investigation of heterogeneous catalysts, aiming for high selectivity and stability in the utilization of CO2 from various exhaust gas streams. Innovative materials are developed by combining sulfides and oxides, and fundamental questions such as reaction mechanisms at the surface are explored. The successful candidate will collaborate on research and teaching tasks, guide students, participate in catalyst synthesis and characterization, conduct catalytic and mechanistic studies, improve and maintain experimental setups, write a dissertation and publications, attend scientific events, and assist in organizational and administrative tasks.

Applicants must have completed a master or diploma curriculum in technical chemistry, materials science, physics, or a related field. Experience in experimental work, catalysis, materials characterization (e.g., XRD, electron microscopy), spectroscopy (e.g., IR, XPS), and physical chemistry is advantageous. Very good English communication and writing skills (minimum B2 level) are required; German is an advantage. Candidates should demonstrate interest in research, supervision, and collaboration, possess strong communicative skills, innovative ability, team spirit, and a structured, reliable, and independent working style. Willingness to engage with new topics and methodologies is expected.

The position offers a wide variety of tasks in a collegial team, attractive social benefits, internal and external training opportunities, and various career options. The workplace is centrally located and easily accessible. The entry-level salary is determined by pay grade B1 of the Austrian collective agreement for university staff, with a minimum of EUR 2,832.10/month gross, paid 14 times per year for 30 hours/week. Relevant working experience may increase the monthly income. TU Wien is committed to increasing the proportion of women in leadership positions and encourages female applicants and people with special needs to apply.

Applications are accepted until April 30th, 2026. For questions, contact TU Wien or the confidant for disabled persons. Please use the provided application link to submit your documents and ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.