University Professor (all genders)

At the Faculty of Physics of TU Wien, the position of a University Professor for the field Dynamics on Surfaces is to be filled in a permanent, full-time contractual employment relationship starting in October 2026.

This is a full professorship in accordance with § 98 of the Austrian Universities Act 2002. The professorship for Dynamics on Surfaces is assigned in the development plan of TU Wien to the research focus area “Materials and Matter”, in particular to the research fields: Surfaces and Interfaces, structure–property relationships, as well as metallic & non-metallic materials, composite materials, and special or engineering materials.

The professorship aims to advance the field of Dynamics at Surfaces, with a focus on the fundamental processes that govern atomic and molecular motion, energy exchange, and charge transfer at interfaces. 

We welcome applications from candidates employing innovative experimental approaches to explore interfacial dynamics, including but not limited to time- and state-resolved methods, scanning-probe-, molecular-beam- or laser-based techniques, or complementary surface science methods under controlled conditions.

In addition to research, the duties of a university professor at TU Wien also include teaching (in German and/or English) in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs, as well as participation in the management of the institute and the faculty.

Teaching responsibilities will include, among other things, the fundamentals of surface and interface physics, the dynamic interactions of molecules/atoms with solid surfaces, modern experimental techniques (e.g., time-resolved spectroscopy, molecular beam methods), as well as the supervision and development of interdisciplinary Master’s and PhD courses in the fields of fundamental physics, nanoscience and materials.

The Faculty of Physics, one of the eight faculties of TU Wien, is dedicated in both research and teaching to key focus areas such as quantum technologies, nanosciences, photonics, and surface/interface physics. 

The Institute of Applied Physics at TU Wien offers an internationally oriented research and teaching environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure for high-resolution surface and nanoscience research; as well as strong cooperation with industry and international partners. The institute has a strong focus on energy releated research, and ideal candidates will align with and complement the existing research focus and interdisciplinary research initiatives.

Your profile:

• Completed doctoral or PhD studies in the relevant subject from a domestic or equivalent foreign university or research institution or achievement of an equivalent scientific qualification
• The qualification for teaching (venia docendi) acquired at a domestic or equivalent foreign university or an academic qualification recognisable as being equivalent to the venia docendi
• High scientific reputation, proven by publications in internationally recognized scientific journals, patents, scientific lectures, editorial and expert work, organization of conferences, prices etc.
• Ability to form networks, proven e.g. by extended relevant stays abroad and/or through cooperation with foreign and domestic universities and research institutions
• Experience in the acquisition, execution and management of research projects
• The ability and willingness to manage a research division or a research group
• Pedagogic and didactic suitability for academic teaching in the relevant subject in German and/or English
• Experience in the supervision of scientific work of students
• The prospective position holder has social and gender competence and experience in the promotion of young researchers and the advancement of female students/colleagues/employees
• Willingness to move the centre of life to Vienna (On-site presence)
• In case there is no adequate knowledge of German, willingness to quickly learn German is presupposed for teaching in bachelor programmes and participation in management of the institute and the faculty as well as in university bodies

We offer:

• Excellent working conditions in an attractive research environment
• Attractive compensation and further benefits (see also: Benefits)
• Financial support of research activities in the first years (e.g. equipment endowment/start-up funds)
• Support in moving to Vienna
• Dual career advice offers partners and families of the university professors appointed to TU Wien various support opportunities tailored to their individual situation
• An employee-friendly environment in a city with an extraordinary high quality of life

Classification in the pay grade A1 of the collective bargaining agreement for employees of universities and a minimum salary of EUR 93,986.20 gross annual is provided for. Furthermore, on top of the employee benefit fund, a company pension scheme will be set up for employees, depending on the duration of their employment, with the result that personnel benefits will increase. A higher salary depending on qualifications and experience is subject of appointment negotiations as well as detailed information about benefits.

General information can be found at the following links:

• Faculty for Physics (https://www.tuwien.at/phy)
• Institute for Applied Physics (https://www.tuwien.at/phy/iap/)
• Information about professorships and appointment procedures: Appointment Service

Applications in German or English must include at least the following documents:

• A detailed curriculum vitae (complete with professional and academic background)
• A short motivation letter
• A presentation of previous academic activities including a survey of research and development projects carried out and of funding/grants raised (volume, duration, funding body etc), a list of patents, editorial and expert work, organized conferences and prices etc. as well as a list of lecturing and teaching activities evidenced by a list of the university courses held so far, a list of supervised scientific works of students and a list of invited lectures
• A list of publications (including a link to a unique research identifier like ORCID) and copies of the 10 most important publications
• A research and teaching concept with considerations on the future positioning and further development of the field
• Relevant certificates and official letters should be uploaded under the category: +add more documents
• We kindly ask you to download the data fact sheet and upload it filled under the category: +add more documents

We look forward to receiving your complete application documents by July 9th, 2026.