During the postdoctoral phase, young scientists should gain initial professional experience in a scientific environment and develop their own research profile. The postdoctoral phase is a period of orientation and qualification in an academic career. The focus is on expanding scientific, technical, and interdisciplinary skills.
The postdoctoral phase usually lasts 6 years and can be divided into two stages. In the initial phase, the focus is on developing your own research focus. At an advanced stage, a later habilitation topic may develop within the framework of the research focus, and the habilitation, opens an external URL in a new window or habilitation-equivalent achievements may be decisively advanced and brought to completion.
Teaching and committee work are an integral part of a University Assistant (PostDoc). In addition, a certain degree of independence should be achieved during the postdoctoral phase in order to acquire qualifications for the professorship. This includes raising third-party funding, supervising students and doctoral candidates, project organization and management, and science management.
What are the duties of a University Assistant (PostDoc)?
Research activities in the field; teaching and assisting with examinations; project work and management of project groups; acquisition of third-party funding; publication activities; participation in and organization of scientific events; supervision of students; organizational and administrative tasks as well as evaluation measures.
What are the most important skills?
Completion of a relevant doctoral degree; knowledge of scientific work; experience in project management and presentations; in-depth knowledge in the field; interdisciplinary work; experience in teaching and publishing
What qualities are required?
Organizational and analytical skills; structured working style; problem-solving skills; interest in and enjoyment of research and working with students; ability to work in a team; development of a scientific network
Who do you deal with?
Students; employees and professors of the institute, faculty, and university; project and cooperation partners from universities, business, industry, and public administration; funding agencies; scientific community
What are the pros and cons?
+ Diverse range of tasks; (inter)national activities and stays abroad; working with and in interdisciplinary and international teams; independent, autonomous work
– Fixed-term employment
Contract period:
Employment contracts with university assistants (PostDoc) are concluded for a period of 6 years.
Subsequently, the distinction between career positions and non-career positions determines the next steps. Holders of career positions have a clearly defined path to an academic career at TU Wien.
With a non-career position, on the other hand, you orient yourself externally in the medium term and supplement your resume with the professional experience you need for a successful future application on the national or international career market.