University Assistant Predoctoral, Chemistry

52 Faculty of Chemistry
Startdate: 10.03.2025 | Working hours: 30 | Collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)
Limited until: 09.03.2028
Reference no.: 3731

The Organic Chemistry Group of Prof. Bonifazi in the Faculty of Chemistry is seeking candidates (m/f/x) for PhD student positions in the field of physical organic photochemistry with research experience in organic chemistry.

Among the many reasons to research and teach at the University of Vienna, there is one in particular, which has convinced around 7,500 academic staff members so far. They see themselves as personalities who need space for continuous striving afor top international research and scientific excellence. At same time they enjoy support an liberties that are not a given at other institutions. Does that sound like something for you? Welcome to our team!

Your personal sphere of influence:

We are thrilled to announce one fully funded  PhD position in our groundbreaking research program, which focuses on the spectroscopic study of organic chemical transformations and artificial organic light-harvesting systems for converting solar energy into chemical products. The research activities are framed in the recently funded Cluster of Excellence initiative, entitled MECS (Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage), sponsored by FWF. (Website: http://coe-mecs.at/WP/ )

Join our dynamic team of researchers and be part of a transformative project that aims to study the fundamental photochemical processes in artificial synthetic photosystems and the organic reactions triggered by those. The research activities aim to apply advanced spectroscopic methods (steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence, transient absorption spectroscopy), X-ray diffraction techniques, and electrochemical methods to unravel the self-assembly and photochemical mechanisms directing the energy and electron transfer processes ruling the light-induced organic transformations. We seek ambitious and creative individuals with a robust organic chemistry and synthesis background. Candidates passionate about innovative research and keenly interested in spectroscopy, photochemistry, and organic photocatalysis are highly encouraged to apply.

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 non-extension declaration.

Your future tasks:

The Bonifazi group (https://bonifazi-group.univie.ac.at/ ), led by Prof. Bonifazi, is situated within the Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, at the University of Vienna. Our group focuses on ambitious, targeted organic  synthesis, organic photochemistry, and self-assembly and self-organization studies. Our primary objective is to develop practical access to functional organic architectures with tailored properties, enabling the development of novel chemical transformations and new applications in real-world technologies. As a PhD student in the Bonifazi group, you will have the opportunity to work at the intersection of physical organic chemistry, spectroscopy, and cutting-edge applications, fostering collaborations with academic partners and being part of an international team.

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

• You will be involved in research projects and scientific studies.
• We expect you to finalize your dissertation agreement within 12-18 months.
• You are working on your dissertation and its completion.
• You hold courses independently to the extent of the provisions of the collective agreement.
• Supervision of students
• You will take on adminstrative tasks in research and teaching.

This is part of your personality:

• You hold an MSc degree or equivalent in chemistry or a related field.
• Previous experience working with steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence and transient absorption spectroscopy is considered very important.
• Previous experience with either organic photochemistry or catalysis will be mainly considered an added value.
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation and the ability to critically analyze scientific literature.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English (IELTS score =  6.5).
• Strong problem-solving skills and passion for science.
• Ability to work independently on your field of expertise and collaborate in a research team.
• Great sense of thoroughness and organization.

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 3578,80 (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 non-extension declaration.

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 / ideas for a prospective doctoral project proposal
• Master Degree  /  Diploma
• Via our  job portal/ Apply now -  button

If you have any questions, please contact:

Davide Bonifazi

davide.bonifazi@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 lay special emphasis on increasing the number of women in senior and in academic positions among the academic and general university staff 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.

Data protection

​Application deadline: 03/08/2025 (MM-DD-YYYY)

Prae Doc