University Assistant Predoctoral - PhD Position in Inorganic & Materials Chemistry

University Assistant Predoctoral - PhD Position in Inorganic & Materials Chemistry

The University of Vienna is seeking a predoctoral University Assistant at the Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Functional Materials and Catalysis. The Chin Research Group develops advanced porous materials, including MOF and COF, for sensing, energy conversion and catalysis.

Your personal sphere of influence

This PhD project aims to control the growth, alignment and assembly of framework materials using external fields such as electric, magnetic or flow fields to create structured, anisotropic and multifunctional materials. By coupling field-driven orientation with compositional design, the project will investigate how directional control over framework domains influences charge transport, optical response and catalytic performance.

Applications include enhanced electrochemical sensing, field-responsive coatings and energy-harvesting architectures. The candidate will use advanced fabrication, microscopy and spectroscopy techniques and work within an interdisciplinary team spanning materials chemistry, surface science and applied physics.

The position is embedded in the Vienna Doctoral School in Chemistry, Austria's largest graduate network in chemical sciences. The contract duration is 3 years with a preliminary limitation of 1.5 years and possible extension up to 4 years with excellent performance.

Your future tasks

• Synthesize and characterize MOF, COF and HOF materials and composites
• Investigate field-assisted growth and assembly using electric, magnetic or electrohydrodynamic stimuli
• Fabricate structured and patterned films for sensing, photonic and energy applications
• Correlate orientation, morphology and functionality using microscopy and spectroscopy
• Contribute to publications, conferences and collaborative projects
• Work on your dissertation and its completion
• Finalize your dissertation agreement within 12 to 18 months
• Hold courses independently within the scope of the collective bargaining agreement
• Participate in mentoring and teaching activities within the department
• Contribute to administration and the smooth running of the research group

This is part of your personality

• Master's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or related discipline
• Strong background in inorganic or materials chemistry
• Experience in materials synthesis and characterization
• Experience with MOF or COF synthesis or colloidal assembly is an advantage
• Experience in the basic handling of DNA or peptides is an advantage
• Evidence of scientific writing and publications is a plus
• Excellent communication and data presentation skills
• Fluent English, German is an advantage
• Motivated, collaborative and able to work independently

What we offer

• Inspiring working atmosphere: You are 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 and coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis with over 600 free courses.
• Fair salary: The basic salary is EUR 3,776.10 on a full-time basis and increases if professional experience can be credited.
• Contract: The contract duration is 3 years with a preliminary limitation of 1.5 years and possible extension up to 4 years.
• Equal opportunities for all: The University welcomes every additional personality to the team.

It is that easy to apply

Please submit the required documents in English as a single PDF document through the job portal using the Apply now button. Required documents include a motivation letter, curriculum vitae with relevant publications, copies of Bachelor and Master degree certificates including transcripts, and contact information of two referees.

Application deadline: 18.09.2026