Senior Scientist (all genders)

TU Wien is looking for a committed person responsible for the Core Facilities Management at the University Service Center for Transmission Electron Microscopy (USTEM). The position is located at the interface of operational management, user support, personnel coordination, and the implementation of science-driven method development in advanced electron microscopy. USTEM hosts state-of-the-art transmission electron microscopy infrastructure and provides access, training, expertise, and technical support for researcher from a broad range of scientific disciplines. In addition to its role as a central user facility, USTEM supports the development of advanced electron microscopy methods, including novel approaches in analytical TEM/STEM, in-situ microscopy, time-resolved and coincidence-based detection schemes and electron quantum optics.

In this key role, you will be responsible for the efficient operation of this core facility and you will ensure that strategic goals are implemented operationally in close coordination with the Center’s Scientific Steering Committee.

Tasks:

Daily Operations

• Promote the facility internally and externally as a service-oriented, collaborative research and method-development hub for electron microscopy
• Provide administrative leadership for the day-to-day operation and continuous development of the Center
• Responsible for ensuring optimal equipment performance, high-quality user support, and compliance with operational policies and safety standards
• Provide hand-on training, consultation and technical support to users, including students and early-career researchers
• Initiate, execute and manage contract research activities, including financial processing
• Manage facility personnel, fostering a service-oriented and collaborative team culture
• Exchange information and best practices with other core facilities

Center Management

• Contributing to and implementing strategic planning in close cooperation with the Center’s Scientific Steering Committee to translate the scientific vision into smooth, user-friendly workflows and services
• Manage the facility in close partnership with users and researcher, ensuring that procedures, infrastructure, services and methods development support efficient, high-quality research
• Co-develop, implement, and continuously refine operational policies and procedures together with users and researcher 
• Serve as a primary contact point for users and researcher, providing hands-on training, technical support, and guidance tailored to their experimental needs
• Implement and maintain efficient systems for data storage and security, booking, and invoicing, with the goal of minimizing administrative burden for users
• Oversee the upkeep, availability, and continuous improvement of supplies and equipment 
• Oversee budget planning, resource allocation, and financial reporting in coordination with the Center’s Scientific Steering Committee
• Collaborate with facility users and researchers to support their research projects, including participation in project planning and execution
• Promote networking and exchange among facility users to foster collaboration, shared expertise, and joint funding applications
• Serve as the point of contact for companies regarding service, consumables, and equipment development
• Responsible for managing human resources administration for the Core Facility in accordance with TU Wien guidelines

Research Development and Scientific Quality Assurance

• Implement and monitor quality standards, safety regulations, and documentation processes
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and university policies
• Stay informed about technological advancements and integrate innovative solutions in coordination with the Center’s Scientific Steering Committee
• Enhance and support collaborative research projects with center users
• Secure third-party funding through academic-industrial cooperations and infrastructure grants
• Promote method development and technological advancements

Your profile:

• PhD degree in physics, chemistry or a closely related field
• Technical understanding of electron microscopy techniques and associated workflows
• An interest in adapting or further developing SEM/TEM-based experimental methods, such as integrating specialized holders, optical or in-situ access and detectors 
• Ideally, experience in sample preparation for electron microscopy and related methods
• Experience with advanced or specialized TEM/STEM methods, such as in-situ tools, EELS, EDX or time-resolved microscopy (pump-probe), will be considered an asset
• Proven experience in managing a research facility or research teams
• Ability to communicate with and understand the requirements of scientists from different disciplines
• Strong team-working skills and ability to train and develop personnel
• Excellent time management and ability to prioritize
• International research experience across different institutions, including postdoctoral experience in renowned research groups, research institutes, or advanced electron microscopy facilities, will be considered a strong asset
• Proven experience in supporting and coordinating third-party funded projects, including infrastructure grants, service-related funding schemes, and academic-industrial collaborations, will be considered a strong asset
• Excellent communication skills in English (C1), knowledge of German or willingness to acquire German language skills will be considered an asset

We offer:

• An innovative highly interdisciplinary environment
• A management position that allows self-reliant decision making
• A unique opportunity to work with new state-of-the-art electron microscopy infrastructure, including probe- and image-corrected TEM/STEM instruments with ultrafast capabilities (fs-laser triggered), time-resolved direct electron detection (Timepix3), liquid-helium-cooled sample holder, and advanced platforms for quantum electron optics method development
• Excellent opportunities for personal development in a scientifically stimulating international environment
• Flexible working hours, reconciling career and family, a range of according university services
• A range of attractive social benefits (see Benefits)

Entry level salary is determined by the pay grade B1 of the Austrian collective agreement for university staff. This is a minimum of currently EUR 5,014.30/month gross, 14 times/year for 40 hours/week. Relevant working experiences may increase the monthly income.

We look forward to receiving your application until July 23rd, 2026.