VDSP - PhD Completion Contract at University of Vienna in Austria

The Vienna Doctoral School in Physics is home to 180 doctoral candidates in Physics at the University of Vienna who work at the forefront of science and receive training, mentoring and support to become independent researchers and to connect with the scientific community.

Your personal sphere of influence:

The Vienna Doctoral School in Physics offers up to nine 3-months PhD Completion Contracts for fellows of the Doctoral School who have held a position as University Assistant (praedoc) or as PhD project staff at the University of Vienna before. These Completion Contracts aim to support highly qualified fellows in the final phase of their doctoral studies. The recipients will be employed as University Assistants (praedoc) and will work at the Faculty of Physics. The start of the contracts is possible from 01 January 2027 onwards - the Fellowship must be completed within the year 2027.

Your future tasks:

• You actively participate in research, teaching & administration at the Faculty of Physics.
• Your main task is to complete and to submit your dissertation.
• You meet and consult with your supervisor(s) on a regular basis in order to prioritize your tasks and get the necessary support to complete your dissertation successfully in time.
• You actively seek support (workshops, training, coaching etc.) if necessary.
• You contribute to the organizational and administrative tasks of the Faculty of Physics e.g. supervision of students, organization of courses and holding examinations in accordance with the assignment.

This is part of your personality:

Eligibility Criteria:

• Actively enrolled to PhD studies in Physics at the University of Vienna.
• Full member of the VDSP who has followed all PHD curricular requirements as well as all regular VDSP requirements:
  • Positively completed PhD presentation “FÖP”.
  • Signed doctoral thesis agreement.
  • All required annual progress reports BSP/V02E (formlerly called DZ/V02) and VDSP reports submitted.
  • All compulsory coursework successfully completed.
  • Participated in all required VDSP mentor meetings (at least once per year).
• Commitment to complete your doctoral studies within the anticipated time (within 3 months).
• Excellent academic record.

What we offer:

We offer you the unique opportunity to complete your scientific education and early career research training with your written PhD thesis in a focused effort that allows you to succeed.

The monthly gross salary for 40 hours/week for VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (prae doc) is € 3.836,10. Please note that the advertised Completion Fellowships are for 30 hours/week VwGr. B1 (prae doc), with relevant work experience determining the assignment to a particular salary grade.

It is that easy to apply:

The following information need to be submitted as one single pdf-file up until 16 November 2026 via the VDSP webform:

• Transcript of your study records (Bachelor, Master and PhD)
• Curriculum vitae including full list of publications and conference contributions
• Timeline for the completion of your doctorate
• Table of contents of your written thesis
• Short description of the structure of the thesis (3-5 pages)
• Statement with key information (no length requirement – you have to convince the Selection Committee that you are able to complete your written thesis soon):
  • Duration of previous/current PhD contract(s) at the University of Vienna and type of contract(s) e.g. prae-doc or project staff
  • Teaching duties
  • why the original time plan needs to be extended (e.g. personal circumstances, care duties, problems with lab equipment, COVID-related issues, etc.)

The VDSP office will forward your application to your supervisor(s) and ask for a declaration of support. This information will not be shared with the applicants. All applications and statements of support will be brought before the VDSP Selection Committee, which will convene shortly after the deadline.

Important:

• Eligibility: VDSP students who have been employed by the University of Vienna as University Assistant or Project Staff Member within six months before the start of the completion contract.
• Relevant work experience determining the assignment to a particular salary grade.
• Your existing work contract will be extended for up to three months.
• Successful applicants are employed at the University of Vienna and are therefore subject to all associated rights and obligations.
• The successive contract regulations must be followed/kept in mind. Make sure to check your individual case in consideration of your career planning. In case of questions contact HR to clarify your situation.