About the opportunity
The research group Atmospheric Transport Processes, led by Prof. Andreas Stohl in the Department of Meteorology and Geophysics at the University of Vienna, is seeking a predoctoral university assistant. Conducted within the Vienna Network for Atmospheric Research in partnership with Geosphere Austria, the project uses the Lagrangian particle dispersion model FLEXPART and inverse modeling techniques to determine emissions of greenhouse gases and radionuclides in the atmosphere. The PhD candidate will enroll in the Vienna International School of Earth and Space Sciences, collaborate on institutional research projects, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and teach undergraduate or master’s meteorology classes.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive salary based on §48 VwGr. B1 of the university collective bargaining agreement (basic salary of €3,776.10 gross per month on a full-time reference basis, adjusted to 30 hours per week, with credit for prior professional experience)
- Comprehensive statutory health insurance and Austrian social benefits
- Enrollment in the Vienna International School of Earth and Space Sciences (VISESS) offering tailored education, workshops, and training events
- Access to more than 600 internal continuing education courses and coaching programs free of charge
- Flexible working hours and the option to work partly from home upon agreement
- Relocation and onboarding support through the University of Vienna Welcome Compass
Who can apply?
- Completed master's or diploma degree in atmospheric sciences (such as meteorology or climatology) or a closely related discipline
- Strong computer programming skills
- Demonstrated experience in data analysis and scientific interpretation
- Very good command of the English language
- Strong collaborative spirit and willingness to work within a research team
- Experience with Lagrangian transport models is considered an advantage
- Advanced programming expertise in Python and/or Fortran is an asset
- Familiarity with space-industry emissions and their atmospheric impacts is advantageous
Required documents
- Short letter of motivation stating your interest in the position
- Curriculum vitae including a complete list of publications
- Contact information for two academic references who can provide recommendation letters upon request
When to apply
- Application deadline is November 1, 2026
- Review of incoming applications begins on November 1, 2026, and continues until the position is filled
- The position starts on December 1, 2026, with the latest possible starting date being December 15, 2026
How to apply
- Access the official University of Vienna job portal posting (Job ID: 6309)
- Click the 'Apply now' button to register or log into the application system
- Upload your cover letter, academic CV, publication list, and referee contact details
- Submit your complete electronic application before the November 1, 2026 review date
Additional information
- The appointment is for 4 years (initially contracted for 1.5 years, extending automatically to 4 years unless a non-extension declaration is issued within the first 12 months)
- The position entails a weekly commitment of 30 hours
- Teaching meteorology classes in bachelor's or master's programs is required within the scope of the collective bargaining agreement
- The University of Vienna applies an equal-opportunity and affirmative-action policy that gives preference to female candidates when qualifications are equal
- Informal inquiries regarding the vacancy may be directed to Prof. Andreas Stohl at andreas.stohl@univie.ac.at
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Atmospheric science, physics, or meteorology graduates with strong Python or Fortran coding skills who want to apply numerical modeling to climate and radiological challenges
- Early-career researchers seeking dual exposure to academic transport modeling with FLEXPART and applied meteorological networks via Geosphere Austria
- Applicants looking for a structured doctoral environment with dedicated training curriculum via the VISESS doctoral school
What should you think carefully about?
- The role involves a standard 30-hour predoctoral contract, which carries lower net pay than a full-time 40-hour employment position while demanding doctoral-level research and teaching outputs
- On-site presence in Vienna is necessary, though partial remote work is permissible upon agreement
- The initial contract duration is 18 months, converting to the full 4 years provided positive evaluation during the first year of employment
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This appointment provides four years of paid research training tailored for candidates aiming to build an academic or public-sector career in climate science, atmospheric transport, or environmental monitoring. Doctoral candidates benefit from established numerical modeling infrastructure (FLEXPART), integration into Geosphere Austria projects, university-level teaching practice, and structured skill building within the VISESS doctoral school.
Our take
This role is ideal for master's graduates in meteorology, climatology, or environmental physics with solid computational skills who wish to complete a fully funded PhD in Vienna. Candidates who need a full 40-hour industry salary immediately or who cannot undertake university teaching duties alongside research will find the arrangement less aligned with their needs.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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