Philip Walther

The University of Vienna invites applications for a PhD position (University Assistant Predoctoral) in the Quantum Information Science and Quantum Computation group, led by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Philip Walther, at the Faculty of Physics. This four-year, well-funded position offers the opportunity to join one of Europe’s largest quantum hubs, the Vienna Center for Quantum Science and Technology (VCQ), and the Austrian Cluster of Excellence quantA. The group is renowned for its pioneering research in scalable photonic quantum technology, quantum computing, and the exploration of fundamental quantum science questions, including the quantum-gravity interface. Research in the Walther Group spans quantum control of single photons using solid-state photon sources, integrated waveguide technology, tailored nonlinear media, and superconductor-based detectors, as well as precision interferometric measurements of weak gravitational forces. The successful candidate will participate in a dedicated research project focused on quantum machine learning for photonic platforms, bridging theoretical foundations with practical implementations. The group’s collaborative environment includes over 35 researchers working on experimental quantum optics, quantum information, and quantum technologies, supported by the Vienna Doctoral School in Physics (VDSP). Key responsibilities include active participation in research, teaching (lab courses, exercise classes), and administration. The candidate will present a research plan to the faculty and complete a dissertation agreement within 12–18 months, with annual reviews. Independence, teamwork, and social awareness are essential, as is contributing to outreach through publications, conferences, and public activities. The position offers a stimulating international academic atmosphere, excellent public transport connections in central Vienna, and access to over 600 internal training courses. Eligibility: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or Diploma in physics; an additional diploma in computational science is advantageous. Experience in academic writing, theoretical quantum machine learning, photonic platforms, quantum reservoirs, and explainable AI on photonic quantum hardware is ideal. Programming skills in Matlab or Python and excellent English proficiency are required. Application materials include a scientific CV, summary of academic and research achievements, statement of future research interests, degree certificates, and a motivation letter (max one page). Funding: The position offers a basic salary of EUR 3,714.80 (full-time basis, 14x per annum), with increases for credited professional experience. The employment duration is four years, initially limited to 1.5 years but automatically extended unless terminated within the first 12 months. The research project is well-funded, and the university provides a fair and inclusive working environment, with a strong commitment to equal opportunities and diversity. Application: The deadline for applications is December 18, 2025. Interested candidates should submit the required documents via the provided application link. For content-related questions, contact Prof. Philip Walther at [email protected]. The University of Vienna encourages applications from qualified women and promotes diversity and equal opportunities in all academic roles. Join a vibrant community of quantum scientists in Vienna and contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of quantum physics, photonics, and machine learning.

The University of Vienna invites applications for a PhD position (University assistant predoctoral) in the Quantum Information Science and Quantum Computation research group, led by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Philip Walther at the Faculty of Physics. This 4-year position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of quantum physics, quantum machine learning, and photonic technologies. The group is part of the Quantum Optics, Quantum Nanophysics & Quantum Information cluster and is affiliated with the Vienna Center for Quantum Science and Technology (VCQ) and the Austrian Cluster of Excellence quantA, making it one of the largest quantum research hubs in Europe. Research in the Walther Group focuses on developing scalable photonic quantum technologies for quantum computing and information applications, as well as investigating fundamental questions in quantum science. Key activities include quantum control of single photons using solid-state photon sources, integrated waveguide technology, tailored nonlinear media, and advanced detectors based on superconductor technology. The group also explores precision interferometric measurements of weak gravitational forces and the quantum-gravity interface. As a PhD candidate, you will participate in a well-funded research project dedicated to quantum machine learning for photonic platforms, bridging theoretical foundations with practical implementations. You will present your research plan to the faculty, complete a dissertation agreement within 12-18 months, and work towards timely completion of your dissertation. The position involves active participation in research, teaching (lab courses and exercise classes), and some administrative tasks, all within a collaborative and international team environment. Outreach through publications, conference presentations, and public activities is encouraged. Applicants should hold a Master's degree or Diploma in physics; an additional diploma in computational science is advantageous. Experience in academic writing, theoretical quantum machine learning, photonic platforms, quantum reservoirs, and explainable AI on photonic quantum hardware is desirable. Programming skills in Matlab or Python and excellent English proficiency are required. The group values independence, teamwork, and social awareness. The position offers a competitive salary (EUR 3,714.80 per month, full-time basis, 14x per year), with increases for credited professional experience. The contract is for 4 years, initially limited to 1.5 years and automatically extended unless terminated within the first 12 months. Fellows benefit from the Vienna Doctoral School in Physics (VDSP), access to over 600 internal training courses, and a vibrant academic community of more than 100 quantum scientists on site. The University of Vienna is committed to equal opportunities, diversity, and the advancement of women, especially in leadership roles. Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply, and preference will be given to female candidates with equal qualifications. Application deadline is December 18, 2025. For content questions, contact Prof. Philip Walther at [email protected]. Apply online via the University of Vienna job portal.

The University of Vienna invites applications for a PhD position as University Assistant (PraeDoc) in the Faculty of Physics, starting April 1, 2026. This four-year position is embedded in the Quantum Information Science and Quantum Computation research group, led by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Philip Walther. The group is part of the Quantum Optics, Quantum Nanophysics & Quantum Information cluster and is affiliated with the Vienna Center for Quantum Science and Technology (VCQ) and the Austrian Cluster of Excellence quantA, making it one of the largest quantum hubs in Europe. The research focuses on experimental quantum foundations, quantum photonics, and the interface between quantum physics and gravity. Key questions include performing table-top experiments to probe quantum foundations, measuring gravitational effects on entangled photons, and developing scalable photonic quantum technologies for quantum computing, machine learning, and cybersecurity. The group leverages integrated optics, quantum-dot single-photon sources, and customized nonlinear materials to scale up multiphoton platforms. Main activities span quantum control of single photons, solid-state photon sources, integrated waveguide technology, tailored nonlinear media, and superconducting detectors, as well as precision interferometric measurements of weak gravitational forces. As a PhD candidate, you will actively participate in research, teaching, and administration. You will join a well-funded project dedicated to experimental quantum foundations and indefinite causal order, present your research plan to the faculty, and complete a dissertation agreement within 12–18 months (reviewed annually). Teaching duties include lab courses and exercise classes, and you will contribute to group administration and outreach through publications, conferences, and public activities. The Walther Group comprises 35 researchers working collaboratively on experimental topics in small subgroups, fostering a supportive and international academic environment. Applicants must hold a Master's degree or Diploma in physics, with a thesis in quantum optics. Required skills include experience with quantum foundations, photonic platforms, non-linear processes, table-top experiments, academic writing, and proficiency in Matlab, Python, and LaTeX. Excellent written and spoken English is essential. The position offers a basic salary of EUR 3,776.10 (full-time, 40h/week, 14x per year), with increases for credited professional experience. Employment is for 4 years, initially limited to 1.5 years, with automatic extension unless terminated within the first 12 months. Fellows benefit from the Vienna Doctoral School in Physics (VDSP), access to over 600 training courses, and a vibrant quantum research community. The University of Vienna is committed to equal opportunities, diversity, and the advancement of women, especially in leadership roles. Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply, and preference is given to female candidates with equal qualifications. The workplace is centrally located in Vienna with excellent public transport connections. To apply, submit your scientific CV, letter of motivation, bachelor's and master's degrees, title and abstract of your master's thesis, and contact details of two references. For content questions, contact Prof. Philip Walther at [email protected]. Application deadline is March 1, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the application link provided.