Your personal sphere of influence:As a univers
ity assistant prae doc, you will join the Soft Matter Experiments (SoMeX) Lab () led by Prof. Roberto Cerbino. The SoMeX Lab investigates the physical principles governing the behavior of soft and biological systems, focusing on both equilibrium and non-equilibrium phenomena, from the dynamics of yield stress fluids to the collective behavior of cells and bacterial collectives.Our lab is a center for methodological innovation and provides a world-class, integrated experimental environment.Our facil
ities allow for the entire scientific workflow-from sample preparation in our chemistry lab and cell culture lab to advanced characterization.Our imaging su
ite features several microscopes, including a CrestOptics X-Light v3 spinning disk mounted on a fully-automated Nikon Ti2-E, supported by high-end sCMOS cameras (Kinetix, Andor CB2, ORCA-Flash4.0 V3) and biological incubators.For mechanical probing, we utilize our custom-built ShearView linear rheometer and an Anton Paar MCR 702e Space custom rheomicroscope.We also leverage optical tweezers, 3D printing for synthetic and biocompatible materials, and our open-sourced fastDDM code for high-throughput Differential Dynamic Microscopy (DDM).What makes us special is our collaborative spir
it. We maintain an active international research network w
ith partners in Europe (Milan, Paris, Heraklion, Fribourg, Zurich, etc.) and abroad (USA, Canada, etc.), providing a high-profile platform for your doctoral studies and the ideal cond
itions to build or expand your own network.Your future tasks:You actively participate in research, teaching & administration, which means:You are involved in ongoing research projects and scientific studies in the areas of soft matter physics, biophysics and active matter, w
ith a particular focus on some of the following topics:• rheology and rheo-microscopy of complex fluids and soft materials;• collective behaviour of cells and bacterial systems;• microscopy and image analysis of biological and soft-matter systems;• Differential Dynamic Microscopy (DDM), microrheology and light scattering;• development of new experimental methods and instrumentation.You develop and pursue an original doctoral project w
ithin the research profile of the SoMeX Lab.We expect you to conclude a dissertation agreement w
ithin 12-18 months.You work independently and continuously on your dissertation and
its timely completion.You participate in the publication of research results in international peer-reviewed journals and present your work at conferences and workshops.You contribute to the preparation of grant proposals and to collaborative research activ
ities w
ithin the lab and w
ith our international partners.You hold courses independently w
ithin the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement, in particular by contributing to teaching in the Faculty of Physics at the Bachelor and Master level.You support the supervision of Bachelor and Master students.You take on administrative tasks in research, teaching and administration, including participation in the organization of laboratory activ
ities, seminars and scientific events. This is part of your personal
ity:Necessary qualifications, experience and knowledge (MUST cr
iteria):Completed Master's degree or Diploma in Physics, Biophysics, Soft Matter, Materials Science, or a closely related field.Analytical and methodological design competence: Proven abil
ity to formulate a scientific hypothesis and design a feasible experimental strategy. This is evaluated through a conceptual research proposal (mock proposal), which must demonstrate the candidate's abil
ity to integrate the SoMeX Lab's core research pillars and infrastructure into a rigorous scientific plan.Technical l
iteracy in advanced instrumentation: Demonstrated understanding of the physical principles underlying experimental soft matter physics (in particular rheology and advanced optical microscopy), evidenced by previous research work or the conceptual proposal.Quant
itative data analysis skills: Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for data-intensive applications and the abil
ity to bridge raw experimental data w
ith physical modeling.Academic communication proficiency: Excellent command of wr
itten and spoken English (C1 level).Desirable experience and knowledge (Target cr
iteria):Advanced laboratory expertise: Hands-on experience w
ith high-end or custom imaging/rheology/scattering hardware.Sample Preparation: Familiar
ity w
ith wet-lab environments, including chemistry prep, cell culture, or microbiology protocols.Software Development: Experience w
ith image-analysis frameworks and instrument control.Most important competencies:Scientific autonomy: A "hands-on" mindset and the abil
ity to independently troubleshoot complex experimental setups.Collaborative skills: A proactive team player who thrives in interdisciplinary, international environments.Reliabil
ity: Strong organizational skills and a comm
itment to the timely completion of a 4-year doctoral project. 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: Opportun
ity 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 3.776,10 (on a full-time basis) increases if we can cred
it professional experience. The employment duration is 4 years. In
itially lim
ited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 4 years if the employer does not terminate
it w
ithin the first 12 months by subm
itting a non-extension declaration.Equal opportun
ities for all: We welcome every add
itional/new personal
ity to the team!
It is that easy to apply:Please subm
it the following documents in English as a single PDF file:Letter of Motivation: Describe your background and how your skills align w
ith the SoMeX Lab's focus.Scientific Curriculum V
itae: Including a list of publications and a detailed description of your technical skills.Academic Credentials: Copy of Master's degree certificate and transcript of records.Conceptual research proposal (max. 2 pages): For evaluation purposes, please outline a mock research idea that addresses a fundamental question in soft matter or biophysics. This proposal is intended to demonstrate your abil
ity to design an experimental approach in line w
ith SoMeX interests. This proposal is for assessment purposes only and does not necessarily represent the project to be carried out during the PhD.Evidence of scientific wr
iting: A copy of your Master's thesis or a representative published paper. If the file size is too large, please include a functional link to a cloud folder w
ithin the PDF.References: Contact details for two academic referees.If you have any questions, please contact:Roberto Cerbino look forward to new personal
ities in our team! The Univers
ity of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance to equal opportun
ities, the advancement of women and divers
ity. We place particular emphasis on enhancing women's representation among the academic and general univers
ity staff, particularly in leadership roles, and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.Univers
ity of Vienna. Space for personal
ities. Since 1365.Data protection Application deadline: 05/31/2026 Prae Doc Apply now
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