Tenure-based Research Staff Scientist Position in Computational Materials Science
- Full Time (40h/w) – Limited for 5 years (permanent contract possible after tenure-like evaluation) – >€ 75,000* gross/year
- Klosterneuburg (Vienna), Austria
- Application Deadline: Evaluation of applications starts October 1st, 2025 until filled
Recent advances in quantum materials research rely increasingly on the close integration of experimental and theoretical approaches. First-principles methods, particularly density functional theory (DFT), play a critical role in interpreting experimental observations, predicting material properties, and guiding the design of new experiments.
At ISTA, we pursue a broad range of experimental studies on quantum materials, including transport, spectroscopy, and magnetism. However, performing high-quality first-principles calculations requires specialized expertise that is not currently available within individual research groups. A dedicated computational materials scientist is therefore essential to enable cutting-edge collaborative research across campus and to bridge the gap between experimental observations (Sunko, Modic, and Ibáñez groups) and theoretical understanding (Serbyn, Lemeshko).
We therefore seek an exceptional computational materials science expert at an advanced postdoctoral level who enjoys working across topics and will:
- Conduct independent research in computational quantum materials physics.
- Collaborate with research groups to interpret experimental results and guide the development of theoretical models.
- Collaborate with research groups to bring projects to completion, including preparation of manuscripts for publication and presentations at scientific conferences.
- Train the next generation of scientists in computational materials physics (graduate-school level).
Staff Scientists at ISTA (www.ista.ac.at) pursue collaborative projects on fundamental research questions raised across different research groups on campus, providing advanced scientific and technical expertise absent within research groups, which advances the research outcome to the next level. This position requires high independence and facilitates interaction between research groups, the Nanofabrication and Scientific Computing Facilities at ISTA. The position will be associated with ISTA’s Nanofabrication Facility. 25% of the time is allocated to pursuing own research interests. The position is initially limited to 5 years and is evaluated in a tenure-based system on the research output based on the scientific contribution to the research groups and co-authorships.
Your Profile
- Ph.D. in physics, chemistry or materials science, and extensive post-graduate experience in a high-level research environment.
- Comprehensive understanding of quantum mechanics and electronic structure theory is critical.
- Expertise in downfolding DFT calculations on Wannier bases, constructing effective tight binding models, and calculating response functions is essential.
- Willingness to collaborate with researchers from both experimental and theoretical groups.
- Prior knowledge, or willingness to learn, other numerical methods (DMFT, Monte Carlo) is preferred.
- Proven scientific track-record (e.g. publications in high-impact journals).
- Good programming skills at least in one of the high-level languages is essential.
- Proficient in English, the working language at ISTA, and exceptional communication skills.
- Multi-project management skills and a team-oriented mindset are essential for this role.
Please submit your application online at https://apply.ista.ac.at/comp_materials_science
ISTA is growing. Grow with us!
Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) is a constantly growing international institute for conducting world-class research in mathematics, computer science, life sciences & physical sciences. We strive to recruit passionate professionals from across the world over all fields who strive to support our goal of excellent research. Located within a beautiful campus on the outskirts of Vienna, we offer multiple opportunities for personal growth in a stable working environment. Get an insight!
ISTA promotes a diverse and inclusive working environment and is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all applicants, free of discrimination. All employment decisions at ISTA are based on job requirements, qualifications, merit and organizational needs. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.
