About the opportunity
The Faculty of Computer Science at the University of Vienna invites applications for a Praedoc Researcher position in Responsible AI. Working within the Responsible Machine Learning (ML) research group led by Prof. Dr. Martin Pawelczyk, the successful candidate will focus on cutting-edge research at the intersection of AI safety and data-centric AI, including machine unlearning, privacy-preserving techniques, robust data curation, and mechanistic interpretability. The initial employment duration is 1.5 years, automatically extending to 3 years upon successful evaluation within the first 12 months, with a potential extension to a total of 4 years. The ideal start date is between October and November 2026.
Salary and benefits
- Gross monthly salary of EUR 3,776.10 based on full-time employment (30 hours per week), paid 14 times annually, with potential increases based on relevant prior work experience.
- Comprehensive contract structure spanning up to 4 years.
- Access to over 600 tuition-free professional development and coaching courses provided by the university.
- Opportunity to live and work in Vienna, frequently ranked among the world's most livable cities, with excellent public transportation.
Who can apply?
- Completed or nearly completed Master's degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, or a related quantitative field.
- Sound knowledge in machine learning, statistics, and/or mathematics.
- Outstanding programming skills in Python, with very good knowledge in at least one deep learning framework such as PyTorch or JAX.
- Initial research experience demonstrated through an outstanding master's thesis, open-source contributions, or workshop publications.
- Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
Required documents
- Academic Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter stating the earliest possible start date and motivation for applying
- Copy of the master's thesis or an extended abstract if not yet completed
- Official transcripts of records for both bachelor's and master's studies
When to apply
- Application deadline: September 18, 2026.
How to apply
- Prepare the required application documents including your CV, cover letter, transcripts, and master's thesis or abstract.
- Submit your application online through the official University of Vienna job portal via the 'Jetzt bewerben' button.
- Optionally complete the additional applicant form linked in the job posting.
Additional information
- Employment type: Praedoc (Pre-doctoral researcher)
- Working hours: 30 hours per week
- Job ID: 6159
- Key responsibilities include developing machine learning methods and tools, writing and completing a PhD dissertation within 4 years, joining the Vienna Doctoral School of Computer Science within 12 months, publishing research in top-tier conferences, and undertaking limited teaching and administrative duties.
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…
- Master's degree in Computer Science, ML, or a quantitative field with outstanding Python and PyTorch/JAX skills.
- Demonstrated research experience through a thesis, open-source work, or workshop publications.
- Strong foundation in machine learning, statistics, and mathematics.
What should you think carefully about?
- The contract is structured in stages: an initial 1.5 years, extending to 3, and potentially up to 4 years total.
- The role requires joining the Vienna Doctoral School of Computer Science within 12 months.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This is a perfect opportunity for a researcher wanting to pursue a PhD in Responsible AI, focusing on cutting-edge topics like machine unlearning and mechanistic interpretability.
Our take
A strong fit for high-achieving Computer Science Master's graduates with a deep interest in AI safety and privacy.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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