IWF Graz. Leading Austria into Space. Since 1971

The Space Research Institute (IWF) with about 100 employees from twenty nations, is one of the largest institutes of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW). The institute is located in the Victor Franz Hess Research Center of the OeAW in Graz and hosts eight research groups on the astrophysics of the solar system, exoplanets, and space instrumentation. The IWF also operates a world-leading satellite laser ranging station at the Lustbühel Observatory.

Praedoc (Diss) (f/m/x) - YRP PhD Positions 2026

Job ID: IWF113DOC226

As part of the Young Researcher Programme YRP @ Graz, the Space Research Institute (IWF) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) invites applications for two

PhD Student Positions (f/m/x)

(part time, 30h per week)

in interdisciplinary space science and planetary research, including exoplanet research, astrochemistry, space plasma research, solar and heliospheric physics, as well as technology development. YRP @ Graz is a collaboration between the IWF, the Graz University of Technology, and the University of Graz.

Your Tasks

Details on the PhD projects offered in this call can be found here:

Open PhD Projects

Your Profile

We seek excellent candidates with a strong background in natural sciences. Successful candidates must hold a Master’s degree in physics, astrophysics, geoscience, computational chemistry, electrical engineering, or equivalent at the latest by the starting date of the position but preferably at the time of application. Previous experience on aspects of astrophysics and related fields, and a track record of team work will be beneficial for the selection, as will experience in computational coding and scientific publishing.

Our Offer

The appointment can begin as early as February 1, 2027, and will aim for minimum of three years. The minimum annual gross salary for this position is EUR 53.140,92 (full-time based), in accordance with the collective agreement of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW). For part-time employment, the salary will be adjusted on a pro rata basis in line with the agreed working hours.

The first stage of the application process is anonymised, the second stage takes the form of an interview. To apply for these positions, an anonymous questionnaire has to be filled in.

No further documents are required to be uploaded/sent at this stage of the application process. The form includes questions about scientific skills, the candidate’s master thesis, information on master courses taken, asks for a statement of interest and a statement about research integrity. Please, submit the form no later than October 31, 2026.

The Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) pursues a non-discriminatory employment policy and values equal opportunities, as well as diversity. Individuals from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

Contact

Ruth-Sophie Taubner | ruth-sophie.taubner@oeaw.ac.at

IWF | 8042 Graz, Austria

Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften | Austrian Academy of Sciences | https://www.oeaw.ac.at/