About the opportunity
The University of Vienna’s Faculty of Chemistry is seeking a distinguished personality in theoretical and computational chemistry. The role focuses on the intersection of reactive molecular simulations and data-driven modeling, developing methods for chemical insight and molecular design, including machine-learned interatomic interactions, uncertainty-aware modeling, and statistical thermodynamics. The successful candidate will work in a dynamic research environment with access to high-performance computing infrastructure and collaborate with the Excellence Cluster “Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage.”
Salary and benefits
- Opportunity to obtain a permanent position and be promoted to University Professor.
- Initial fixed-term contract as Assistant Professor for six years.
- Permanent contract as Associate Professor following positive evaluation of a qualification agreement.
- Possibility of promotion to University Professor through an internal competitive process.
- Access to state-of-the-art computing infrastructure, including high-performance computers.
- Access to software licenses and collaboration opportunities in theoretical, synthetic, and physical chemistry.
- Attractive salary according to the collective agreement for university employees (Level A2).
- Company pension scheme.
- Dynamic research environment and a wide range of support services for research and teaching.
Who can apply?
- PhD/Doctorate in a relevant field.
- Two years of international research experience during or after doctoral studies.
- Outstanding research achievements, excellent publications, success in third-party funding projects, and an international reputation.
- Gender and diversity competencies.
- Experience in designing and participating in research projects, ability to lead research groups, and ability to secure third-party funding.
- Enthusiasm for excellent teaching and supervision at Bachelor, Master, and PhD levels.
- Requirement to acquire German language skills within three years to enable teaching in Bachelor's programs and participation in university committees.
Required documents
- Motivation letter (in English).
- Scientific CV (in English) including: educational career, academic degrees (PhD certificate as PDF), previous positions, family or other care periods, awards and honors, functions in scientific committees, previous and current cooperation partners, list of acquired third-party funding and inventions/patents, list of most important scientific presentations (max. 10), teaching and mentoring experience, and supervision experience (Master and PhD).
- List of publications (in English).
- Link to a public ORCID entry with a complete and current publication list (in English).
- Full text of the three most important publications (PDF, max. 30 MB) (in English).
- Research statement (in English) including: most important research results (max. 2 pages), planned future research activities (max. 4 pages), summary of the three most important publications relevant to the position, and publication strategy.
- Statement on teaching and supervision (in English) including: teaching and supervision concept with current and planned focuses (max. 2 pages) and teaching evaluations (if available, PDF).
When to apply
- Application deadline: 2026-09-15.
How to apply
- Apply exclusively via the "Jetzt bewerben" (Apply Now) link provided on the official job page.
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…
- Candidates holding a PhD in theoretical and computational chemistry, molecular simulations, or related data-driven modeling fields.
- Researchers with a minimum of two years of international research experience during or after their doctoral studies.
- Professionals with demonstrated success in securing third-party funding and a strong publication record.
- Applicants eager to collaborate within high-performance computing environments and interdisciplinary clusters.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role is strictly on-site in Vienna, meaning relocation is necessary if you live outside the region.
- Selected candidates must acquire sufficient German proficiency within three years for teaching Bachelor's programs and committee work.
- Employment begins on a six-year fixed-term Assistant Professorship contract, transitioning to an Associate Professorship only upon a positive evaluation.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is ideal for computational chemists seeking to advance their academic career by leading a research group, accessing high-performance computing resources, and contributing to high-impact energy storage and molecular design projects.
Our take
Established computational researchers ready for an academic leadership trajectory in Austria should consider applying, whereas those seeking immediate permanent tenure or remote arrangements should skip this opportunity.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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