TU-ID: 619 | 2025 | 52 | 260206
Assistant Professorship (all genders) - Tenure Track
Vienna Research Group Leader
Applications are being welcomed for outstanding early-career scientists, interested in building up their independent research group in the field of Environmental Systems Research. The future Vienna Research Group is expected to develop a distinctive research profile that tackles fundamental and interdisciplinary questions in environmental research using cutting-edge methodologies. Their research should aim to significantly expand current knowledge and have the direct potential to contribute to meaningful societal advancements. Research that extends beyond academia and aims to build strong collaborations with non-academic partners is strongly encouraged.
The aim of this announcement is to look for and attract exceptional candidates, in all topics and areas in Environmental Systems Research: https://www.tuwien.at/forschung/vienna-research-group-leader
The selection follows a two-stage process: In stage one applicants apply for a tenure track professorship at the Technische Universität Wien (Submission deadline: 15.01.2026).
In stage two, applicants apply for a WWTF grant together with a proponent from the Technische Universität Wien of the applicant’s choice. The application deadline for the WWTF grant application is March 10, 2026.
Candidates who receive such a WWTF grant, which amounts up to EUR 1.8 millions for a total of 6-8 years, will be offered an Assistant Professorship with tenure track from the Technische Universität Wien.
The position is initially limited to a period of six years and, in the event of the conclusion of a qualification agreement and its fulfilment, includes the possibility of being offered permanent employment as an associate professor.
More details: https://www.tuwien.at/forschung/vienna-research-group-leader
Your profile:
- Doctoral degree/PhD and up to eight years post-doctoral research (Care duties may extend this period by up to four years)
- VRG leaders are young researchers, generally postdocs, who seek to advance their research career by establishing an independent research group and assuming leadership responsibility for several group members
- Outstanding achievements and potential in research, excellent publication record, international reputation
- Experience in designing and participating in research projects, ability to lead research groups, willingness to acquire third-party funding
- Enthusiasm for excellent teaching, teaching experience at universities or a teaching concept. Candidates are expected to be willing to teach students at all levels (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level), to supervise academic theses and to promote junior colleagues
- Applicants are currently (till March 2026) not employed in Austria and must have gained research experience at a university or other research institution outside of Austria for a total of at least two years in the previous three years
We offer:
- In the case of a successful funding decision by the WWTF board, the research group will be financed for 6-8 years, with up to 1.8 million EUR being provided by the WWTF, and an additional contribution from TU Wien itself
- The successful candidate will be offered a tenure-track position at the TU Wien
People with special needs are equally encouraged to apply. In case of any questions, please contact the confidant for disabled persons at the university, Mr. Gerhard Neustätter.
The employment starts as University Assistant with a minimum salary of EUR 4,932.90 gross (14 x per year) according to the collective bargaining agreement for a PostDoc. After signing the qualification agreement, the employment continues as Assistant Professor with a minimum salary of EUR 5,808.20 gross (14 x per year).
In stage one, applicants apply for a tenure track professorship at the TU Wien.
Application deadline: January 15th, 2026 by providing:
- Name of the Research Group/Host you wish to apply with on cover page
- Letter of motivation
- Academic curriculum vitae including keywords that best describe your own research interests
- List of publications including your own ORCID record
- Research statement & sketch of a proposal for a WWTF Vienna Research Group, also describing your future research plans, in particular for the research group
- Teaching statement explaining your teaching and supervision concept
In stage two, applicants apply for a WWTF grant together with a proponent from the TU Wien of the applicant’s choice. The application deadline for the WWTF grant application is March 10th, 2026, see www.wwtf.at).
