University Assistant Predoctoral - "Carbene stabilized Nano materials and composites" Universität Wien

Job description:

The University of Vienna is a community of almost 11,000 individuals, including approximately 7,700 academic staff members, who passionately pursue answers to the profound questions that shape our future. They represent individuals driven by curiosity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With us, they find the space to try things out and unfold their potential. Are you inspired by their passion and determination? We are currently seeking a/an

University Assistant Predoctoral - "Carbene stabilized Nano materials and composites"

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where more than 7,700 academics thrive on curiosity in continuous exploration and help us better understand our world. Does this sound like you? Then join our accomplished team!

Your personal sphere of influence:

The grouo of Michael Reithofer at the Department of Inorganic Chemistry at the Faculty of Chemistry is offering a PhD Position (PraeDoc) - "Carbene stabilized Nano materials and composites". The project the candidate will be working on focuses on the design and development of carbon-stabilized nanomaterials as versatile platforms for catalytic, photonic, and functional material applications, as well as their integration into composites such as MOFs, COFs, and their glasses. N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) and related carbene ligands (such as peptoids, peptides, COFs, MOFs) enable precise control over nanoparticle surface chemistry, stability, and interfacial reactivity, making them powerful tools to tailor nanomaterials for demanding operational environments.

The aim of this PhD project is to establish structure–property relationships linking ligand design, nanoparticle structure, and functional performance. Particular emphasis will be placed on integrating carbene-stabilized nanoparticles into structured materials or hybrid matrices, enabling applications in (electro)catalysis.

The candidate will combine synthetic chemistry, nanomaterials processing, and advanced characterization techniques within an interdisciplinary team working at the interface of inorganic chemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology.

The group provides a high-performance research environment centered on advanced (nano)materials chemistry, with deep expertise in synthesis, characterization, and application of metal nanoparticles and hybrid materials. The group has a fully equipped synthetic lab equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for air-sensitive work (Schlenk line, glove box, etc) and also host a range of analytical tools including GC, UV-Vis, potentiostat/galvanostat, plate reader with injectors, tabletop SEM-EDX, TGA and in-situ Raman ecell. Researchers have full access to extensive infrastructure at the University of Vienna, including state-of-the-art microscopy suites (SEM, TEM, AFM), additive manufacturing facilities, thin-film deposition tools, photonic and spectroscopic laboratories, and well-equipped synthetic chemistry labs. The group is embedded in a strong collaborative ecosystem, working closely with leading academic partners across Europe, the USA, and Asia. This network enables joint projects, shared facilities, and pathways to high-impact publications. Additional departmental resources—technical staff, mechanical workshops, computing clusters, and centralized analytical platforms—ensure a robust environment for ambitious, multidisciplinary research.

The employment duration is 3 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 3 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a declaration of non-extension. With appropriate work progress, an extension to a total maximum of 4 years is possible.

Your future tasks:

You actively participate in research, teaching & administration, which means:

• Synthesize and functionalize nanoparticles and alloys stabilized by N-heterocyclic carbenes or related carbene ligands, Synthesis of MOF and COF and related materials as NP support, Develop strategies to control nanoparticle size, composition, and surface chemistry, Integrate nanoparticles into films, or composite architectures, Investigate catalytic, photonic, or sensing performance of nanoparticle systems, Characterize nanomaterials using spectroscopic, microscopic, and surface-analysis techniques, Establish structure–property–function relationships linking ligand chemistry to material performance.
• Contribute to scientific publications and conference presentations.
• Participate in collaborative research and mentoring activities within the group.
• Complete your dissertation agreement within 12-18 months.
• Work on and complete your dissertation.
• Teach courses independently in accordance with the provisions of the collective agreement.
• Participate in mentoring and teaching activities within the department.
• Take on administrative tasks in research and teaching.
• Contribute to the administration and smooth running of the research group.

This is part of your personality:

• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related discipline (grade of at least 2 in Austrian system / GPA ≥ 3.5/4)
• Strong background in inorganic or materials chemistry
• Experience in organic and/or nanoparticle synthesis
• Experience in materials synthesis and characterization is a must. (NPs synthesis or colloidal assembly is an advantage)
• Experience in MOF and COF synthesis is an advantage
• Experience with electrochemistry and CO2RR is an advantage
• Evidence of scientific writing and publications is a plus
• Excellent communication and data presentation skills
• Fluent in English (German is an advantage)
• Motivated, collaborative, and able to work independently

What we offer:

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours and can partially work remotely. 

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment.

Good public transport connections: Your workplace is easily accessible by 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.

Fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 3.776,10 (on a full-time basis) increases if we can credit professional experience.

Contract: The employment duration is 3 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 3 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a declaration of non-extension. With appropriate work progress, an extension to a total maximum of 4 years is possible.

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 welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

It is that easy to apply:

• With your scientific curriculum vitae / letter of intent
• With your summary of research interests 
• Master Degree  /  Diploma
• Via our  job portal / Apply now -  button

If you have any questions, please contact:

Michael Reithofer  

michael.reithofer@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: 10/30/2026 

Apply now