University Assistant (Postdoc) in Debris Disk Research Universität Wien

Job description:

At the University of Vienna, almost 11,000 people work together on the big questions of the future. Approximately 7,700 of them are academic staff members. These are individuals who, with their curiosity and their continuous pursuit of excellence, engage in international cutting-edge research and teaching. With us, you will also find space to unfold your potential. We are looking for a ...

University Assistant (Postdoc) in Debris Disk Research

In the Star and Planet Formation group of Prof. Manuel Güdel, we seek an expert in debris disk research; research on the solar-system asteroid/Kuiper Belt, exozodis, and dust/planetesimal dynamics in evolved protoplanetary disks will also be considered. The goal is to enhance theoretical studies and the interpretation of observations from cutting-edge observatories based on simulations. During the three years, the successful candidate will develop their own research projects and is expected to interact with several related research groups on disks and planets in the Department of Astrophysics. Ready to be part of our team?

Your Working Place:

The Department of Astrophysics with currently around 100 members is part of the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy at the University of Vienna. 

You will work in a lively research environment offering scientific interactions and collaborations in the fields of star and planet formation, planet evolution, stellar astronomy and star-planet interactions, in which three research groups are working together (groups of Profs. Manuel Güdel, Kristina Kislyakova, Sudeshna Boro Saikia). Disk physics, mineralogy, and chemistry are of central interest in the Department. The three groups are also actively involved in the consortia of ongoing or planned space missions and ground-based observatories at the Co-PI and/or Science Team member level, such as ELT/METIS, Cheops, Ramses, PLATO, Ariel, Smile, JWST/MIRI, Athena, Arrakihs, and Marvel, some of which offer further opportunities for active participation.

The position is set for 36 months; it is available no earlier than January 25, 2027 (preferred starting date).

Your future tasks:

Active participation in research, teaching & administration, which means:

• You lead your proposed research program;
• You lead, and participate in scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals and present results at international meetings;
• You (co-)supervise bachelor and master students in your research area;
• You hold courses independently within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement;
• You are welcome to apply for further funding.

Your Profile:

Must-haves

• A PhD / doctoral degree in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related field, completed by the starting date;
• Research experience in the field of debris disks & related fields as advertised;
• Experience in debris disks modeling;
• Relevant publications appropriate to your career stage;
• Coding/programming experience;
• Fluency in English (spoken and written).

Good-to-haves

• C++ and Python experience;
• Experience in the supervision of students and in public outreach;
• Successfully acquired funding for research.

What we offer:

Inspiring working atmosphere: You have the opportunity to work within a dedicated team on forefront science, while profiting from the international environment in the Department of Astrophysics. We have privileged access to the Austrian Scientific Computing (ASC) super-computing facility. As a member state of ESO and ESA, Austria has access to their first-class observing facilities.

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours, partly remote work (within Austria / upon agreement) and/or part-time work (upon agreement).

Good public transport connections: Your working place, the University Observatory, is located in the middle of the natural monument Observatory Park in the lively city of Vienna with outstanding public transport.

Internal further training & Coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.

Fixed-term contract and fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 5,079.50 (14 times a year / amount as of 1 January 2027) increases if we can credit professional experience.

Get off to a great start in your new job: The Welcome Compass helps you settle into your new role at the University of Vienna and life in Vienna.

Equal opportunities for all: We look forward to diverse personalities in the team!

It is that easy to apply:

• With your CV (max. 3 pages) and a list of publications;
• A letter of motivation (max. 1 page);
• A brief description of your past research (max. 2 pages) and planned research for 3 years (max. 3 pages);
• Contact details of two references who may be contacted regarding your application;
• PhD / doctoral certificate;
• Via our job portal/ Apply now -  button.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Manuel Güdel  

manuel.guedel@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.

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​Application deadline: 12/06/2026 

Apply now