University assistant predoctoral - PhD Position in Inorganic & Materials Chemistry

Your personal sphere of influence:The Chin Research Group at the Department Functional Materials and Catalysis focuses on colloidal and interfacial materials for emerging energy applications. You will be hired on the FFG-funded consortium project, NanoCool - Nanoimprinted surfaces for passive cooling of solar cells.Your PhD project will concentrate on the design of materials and nanostructures, their fabrication and incorporation into polymer films, and the surface functionalization of these films to achieve multifunctionality (passive radiative cooling, anti-soiling, anti-icing, and light management). You will work closely with consortium members and actively support partners responsible for nanoimprint lithography (NIL) to ensure smooth integration of the developed nanomaterials into structured coatings.The project's ambition is to realize retrofittable multilayered films that increase photovoltaic performance and durability. Beyond photovoltaics, the developed toolbox of PRC films may also be applied to cooling of windows, rooftops, and industrial machinery.Your future tasks:You are involved in research projects and scientific studies, you: Design and fabricate nanomaterials and incorporate them into polymer thin filmsFunctionalize film surfaces to introduce anti-soiling and anti-icing propertiesCharacterize optical and surface properties and link them to functional performanceCollaborate closely with consortium partners, especially those working on nanoimprint lithographyPresent progress in consortium meetings and contribute to reports and deliverablesDisseminate research in publications and conferencesYou actively participate in research, teaching & administration, which means you:Support teaching and student supervision within the Department. You hold courses independently within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.Assist with administrative tasks to support the supervisor and the consortiumYou take on administrative tasks in research, teaching and administration.We expect you to finalize your dissertation agreement within 12-18 months.You work on your dissertation and its completion. This is part of your personality:Master's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or related field (grade 2 in Austrian system / GPA 3.5/4)Strong background in materials synthesis, nanomaterials fabrication, or polymer compositesExperience with surface functionalization and/or thin-film characterization is an advantageFamiliarity with optical spectroscopy or microscopy techniques is beneficialStrong communication, presentation, and teamwork skillsFluent in English (German appreciated)Motivated, collaborative, and able to work independently What we offer: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 3,714,80 (on a full-time basis) increases if we can credit professional experience.Duration of contract: The employment duration is one year. Initially limited to 1 year, the employment relationship can be extended up to 3 years maximum. Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every new personality to the team! It is that easy to apply:Please submit the following documents as a single PDF through our job portal ("Apply now" button), Job ID 4714:Motivation letterCVCopies of Bachelor's and Master's degree certificates + transcripts (in German or certified English translation)Contact information of two referees (former supervisors)Note: Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis - if a suitable candidate is found before the deadline, the job opening may close early.If you have any questions, please contact:Jia Min Chin 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.Data protection Application deadline: 10/17/2025 filter3 custAlternativeApplyURL Apply now