University assistant predoctoral (all genders welcome) at the Department of Mathematics

The University of Klagenfurt, with approximately 1,500 employees and over 12,000 students, is located in the Alps-Adriatic region and consistently achieves excellent placements in rankings. The motto “per aspera ad astra” underscores our firm commitment to the pursuit of excellence in all activities in research, teaching and university management. The principles of equality, diversity, health, sustainability and compatibility of work and family life serve as the foundation for our work at the university.

The University of Klagenfurt is pleased to announce the following open position at the Department of Mathematics, at the Faculty of Technical Sciences with an expected starting date of October 1, 2025: 

University assistant predoctoral (all genders welcome)

Level of employment: 100 % (40 hours/week)

Minimum salary: € 52,007.20 per annum (gross); classification according to collective agreement: B1

Limited to: 4 years

Application deadline: June 25, 2025

Reference code: 220/25

The Department of Mathematics is embedded into the university’s area of key research strength “Multiple Perspectives in Optimization (MPOpt)” and it participates in the thematic doctoral programme “Modeling – Analysis – Optimization of discrete, continuous, and stochastic systems.”

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Scientific work including the publication of research articles in the field of stochastic optimization to submit a dissertation and acquire a doctoral degree. Possible research directions include:
  • Analysis and development of stochastic algorithms
  • Optimization with partial differential equations involving uncertainty
• Independent teaching and assessment, including
  • Teaching exercises
  • Assessment of student work
• Contribution to organizational and administrative tasks
• Participation in public relations activities of the department and the faculty

The successful candidate is expected to pursue a doctoral degree within the thematic doctoral programme “Modeling – Analysis – Optimization of discrete, continuous, and stochastic systems” at the University of Klagenfurt. This position serves the purposes of the vocational and scientific education of graduates of Master’s or Diploma degree programmes with the goal of completing a doctoral degree in Technical Sciences. Applications by individuals who have already completed a subject-specific doctoral degree therefore cannot be considered.

Prerequisites for the appointment:

• Completed Master's or Diploma degree in mathematics or related fields at a domestic or foreign university by September 14, 2025
• Proven knowledge in at least two of the following areas: optimization, partial differential equations, functional analysis, and stochastic analysis
• Proven programming skills in at least one of the following languages/tools: Python, Julia, Matlab, and possibly FEniCS/other FE tools
• English language skills (written and spoken)

Additional desired qualifications:

• Good scientific communication and presentation skills
• Social skills and ability to work in heterogeneous teams
• First experience in university teaching and research (e.g. through tutorials or publications)
• German language skills or willingness to acquire German language skills within the first two years of service

Our offer:

The employment contract is for the position as university assistant (predoctoral) and stipulates a starting salary of € 3,714.80 gross per month (14 times a year; previous experience deemed relevant to the job can be recognized).

The University of Klagenfurt also offers:

• Personal and professional advanced training courses, management and career coaching, including bespoke training for women in science
• Numerous attractive additional benefits, see also https://jobs.aau.at/en/the-university-as-employer/
• Diversity- and family-friendly university culture
• The opportunity to live and work in the attractive Alps-Adriatic region with a wide range of leisure activities in the spheres of culture, nature and sports

The application:

If you are interested in this position, please apply in English with the following documents:

• Letter of application explaining the motivation and including a statement of interest in research (indicating an idea for the research for your own doctoral degree)
• Curriculum vitae (please do not include a photo)
• Copies of degree certificates (Bachelor and Master)
• Copies of official transcripts (Bachelor and Master) containing a list of all courses and grades
• Master’s thesis. If the thesis is not available, the candidate should provide an explanation
• Two references (contact details of individuals who the university may contact by email or telephone for information purposes)
• If an applicant has not received the Master’s degree by the application deadline, the applicant should provide a declaration, written either by a supervisor or by the candidate themselves, on the feasibility of finishing the Master’s degree before September 14, 2025

To apply, please use the >> job portal <<.

Candidates must provide proof that they meet the required qualifications by June 25, 2025, at the latest. However, candidates who fulfil the required qualifications but do not yet possess the required Master’s degree can apply, provided they are able to meet this requirement at least two weeks before the starting date. Therefore, the latest possible deadline for meeting this requirement is September 14, 2025.

For further information on this specific vacancy, please contact Prof. Dr. Caroline Geiersbach (caroline.geiersbach@aau.at). General information about the university as an employer can be found at https://jobs.aau.at/en/the-university-as-employer/. At the University of Klagenfurt, recruitment and staff matters are accompanied not only by the authority responsible for the recruitment procedure but also by the Equal Opportunities Working Group and, if applicable, by the Representative for Disabled Persons.

As part of its human resources policy, the University of Klagenfurt places particular emphasis on anti-discrimination, equal opportunities and diversity.

People with disabilities or chronic diseases, who fulfil the requirements, are particularly encouraged to apply.

Travel and accommodation costs incurred during the application process will not be refunded.

Translations into other languages shall serve informational purposes only. Solely the version advertised in the University Bulletin (Mitteilungsblatt) shall be legally binding.