Postdoctoral Research Associate (Senior Scientist) / Reference Code 231

The BOKU Core Facilities, Core Facilities Materials Testing & Characterization is currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate (Senior Scientist).

Extent of employment: 40 hours per week

Duration of employment: 1st of January 2026 - permanent

Workplace: 1190 Vienna

Allocation in compliance with the Collective Agreement for University Staff to job group: B1 lit. b

Gross monthly salary: depending on previous eligible experience at least € 4.932,90

Responsibilities

• Lead the Core Facility Materials Testing & Characterization (CF MTC) and coordinate the team members
• Drive the strategic development of the Core Facility and implement innovations in the field
• Provide user support: training, supervision of ongoing experiments, and user management through the online booking system PPMS
• Perform material characterization measurements, including data analysis and reporting, with a focus on small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS)
• Independently plan, coordinate, and execute projects for the CF MTC
• Support and further develop advanced quantitative data analysis workflows
• Support research projects by providing high-level material characterization services
• Carry out operational tasks of the CF MTC including instrument coordination, administration, quote preparation, billing, cost calculation, and maintenance of the webpage
• Independently or jointly conduct maintenance and servicing of equipment and further develop and optimize the CF MTC infrastructure
• Manage the interface between CF MTC instruments and BOKU IT
• Independently plan and deliver trainings, teaching, technical workshops, and outreach activities

Required skills and qualifications

• Doctorate degree / PhD; completed doctoral degree in natural sciences, preferably in physics, materials science, materials characterization or a closely related discipline
• Candidates who are close to completing their PhD will also be considered
• Language skills: English, German is an advantage
• Proven scientific experience in material characterization using X-ray scattering
• Demonstrated scientific expertise in analyzing the micro- and nanostructure of biological or other complex materials
• Experience with data analysis, for example Python
• Experience with integrative data analysis by combining experimental and theoretical methods such as SAXS, cryo-EM or simulations
• Practical experience in experiment design, sample preparation, and operation of X-ray scattering instrumentation
• Experience in or willingness to work in an interdisciplinary setting together with other BOKU Core Facilities
• Excellent communication skills and good IT skills
• Willingness to participate in workshops and demonstrations of different measurement devices as well as scientific conferences
• International orientation and mindset
• Service-oriented, precise, structured, and reliable working style
• Ability to work independently, high level of motivation, and strong team spirit

Desired skills and qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS)
• Experience with integrative data analysis, combining experimental and theoretical approaches such as SAXS, cryo-EM or simulations
• Experience conducting measurements at large-scale research facilities
• Knowledge of mechanical material testing methods
• Experience with microscopic techniques such as light microscopy or SEM
• Experience working within an academic environment
• Experience in securing third-party funding such as research grants or fellowships

Application

Please send your job application in English including motivation letter, CV, PhD certificate or confirmation of completion, publication list, and at least two letters of recommendation to Personnel Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Peter-Jordan-Straße 70, 1190 Vienna; E-Mail: recruiting@boku.ac.at. Reference code: 231.

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