At the University of Vienna, around 11,000 luminaries work together to solve the big problems of the future. Approximately 7,700 of these people work in research and education, and approximately 3,000 in management and organization. we are looking for a/an
Senior Researcher in Experimental Quantum Machine Learning
51 Faculty of Physics
start date: February 1, 2026 | Working hours: 40 | Collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 lights up. b (postdoc)
Limited to: permanent
Reference number: 4940
How can we perform tabletop experiments to gain new insights into the fundamentals of quantum physics? Can we measure the effects of gravity on entangled photons by shining a light on the interface between quantum physics and gravity? Can multiphoton platforms be scaled up using integrated optics, quantum dot single photon sources, and customized two-dimensional nonlinear materials? Questions such as these are driving our research. As part of our team, you will develop new ideas, technologies and experiments.
Your personal play scope:
The research group “Quantum Information Science and Quantum Computation'', led by University Professor Philipp Walther, is part of the Department of Quantum Optics, Quantum Nanophysics and Quantum Information in the Department of Physics and is also a member of the Vienna Center for Quantum Science and Technology (VCQ), one of Europe's largest quantum hubs, and of the Quantum Cluster of Excellence in Austria. The group's research combines the development of scalable photonic quantum technologies for quantum computing and other quantum information applications with the investigation of fundamental questions in quantum science. The main activities range from quantum control of single photons using solid-state photon sources, integrated waveguide technology, customized nonlinear media and detectors based on superconducting technology, to high-precision interferometric measurements of weak gravity.
To further strengthen us, we are looking for a senior scientist to specifically support our research in experimental quantum machine learning. This position is currently limited to one year with the possibility of permanent employment after that.
Future challenges:
Active participation in research, education, and administration means:
- Develop and strengthen your independent research profile.
- You are involved in a research project/study.
- You publish and present internationally.
- You will be responsible for submitting the project and obtaining third party funding.
- We hold courses independently as defined in the collective agreement.
- You will (co) supervise BA, MA and PhD students and independently propose BA, MA and PhD projects for this purpose.
- Participate in evaluation measures and quality assurance.
- You are involved not only in the management of the faculty, but also in the management of education and research.
This is part of your personality.
- PhD/PhD in Physics or equivalent qualification
- Postdoctoral experience: 3+ years in experimental quantum photonics and quantum computing
- Deep expertise in integrated quantum photonics, multiphoton processing for quantum machine learning and/or quantum neuromorphic computing.
- Research ability and commitment demonstrated through international publications (reputable subject-related media peer-reviewed according to professional standards).
- Pedagogical Competence: Willingness to teach and transfer knowledge to students
- Ability to express one's ideas both orally and in writing
- Strong written and spoken English skills
- IT user skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively and handle multiple fast-paced projects simultaneously.
What we offer:
- Work-life balance: Balancing work and private life, or work and study, is a particularly important concern for us. Therefore, in consultation with your team and team management, you can organize your working hours in a flexible and family-friendly way, within the framework of the current flexible and family-friendly working hours, or even work partially from your home office.
- A stimulating work environment: You will be part of an international team with an excellent research infrastructure in a relaxed working environment.
- Good public transport links: Your new workplace is easily accessible by public transport.
- Climate neutrality – sustainability: The University of Vienna contributes to the achievement of climate goals through the adopted sustainability strategy and aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2030 through reduced resource consumption, resource conservation and sustainable procurement.
- Fixed-term contract and sufficient salary: This position is currently limited to one year, with the possibility of permanent employment after that. The basic salary corresponds to the collective agreement for university employees pursuant to Article 48 of VwGr. B1 lit b basic level (postdoc): €4,932.90 on a full-time basis (before tax, 14 times a year). Actual salary will ultimately be determined based on professional experience and qualifications.
- In-house training and coaching: We provide ongoing opportunities to deepen your skills. You can choose from a wide variety of courses for free.
- advantage: The University of Vienna also offers a number of benefits, such as corporate pension funds, travel allowances, low-cost parking, discounts on IT (hardware and software), special rates for language courses offered by the University Language Center, promotion of women, diversity management and specific career advancement, inclusion, Papamonat, flexible childcare, children's leave management, healthcare, vaccination campaigns and fitness offers (special rates for USI sports courses), as well as discounts for employees of various companies.
It's very easy to apply:
Please prepare an application that includes the following:
- letter of motivation
- Academic background (including list of publications, list of courses, and list of lectures)
- Description of research interests and research questions
- Contact details of two people who can provide references
- Via our job portal / Apply now – button
If you have any questions regarding the content, please contact us below.
philip walther
philip.walther@univie.ac.at
We look forward to adding new personalities to our team.
The University of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and is committed to equal opportunities, the empowerment of women and diversity. We have a particular focus on strengthening the representation of women on university faculty and university staff in general, particularly in leadership roles, and we therefore explicitly encourage applications from qualified women. Preference will be given to female candidates in consideration of equivalent qualifications.
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Application deadline: 1
