University assistant predoctoral

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 Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity, Production Systems group, at the Faculty of Technical Sciences with a negotiable starting date, commencing on March 3, 2025, at the latest:

Level of employment: 100 % (40 hours/week)
Minimum salary: € 50,103.20 per annum (gross); classification according to collective agreement: B1
Limited to: 4 years
Application deadline: by November 6, 2024
Reference code: 614/24

• Autonomous scientific work including the publication of research articles in the field of production systems, with a specific emphasis on declarative problem solving, combinatorial search and optimization, planning and scheduling, and related areas
  • Conduct theoretical and practical (empirical) research
  • Aim to submit a dissertation and acquire a doctoral degree
• Independent teaching and assessment, usually
  • Teaching practical courses
  • Assessment of student work
• Contribution to organizational and administrative tasks
• Participation in public relations activities

The successful candidate is expected to pursue a PhD within the thematic doctoral programme Informatics 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 persons who have already completed a subject-specific doctoral degree can therefore not be considered.

In research and teaching, the research group Production Systems works on innovative methods and applications of Artificial Intelligence in the context of Industry 4.0. A particular focus is laid on the development and advancement of declarative problem solving methods enabling highly flexible planning and control of complex operational tasks in industrial and social environments. Primary research activities concern the conception and implementation of dynamic, interactive and real-time optimization methods, improving the automation and efficiency of production processes, supply chains and personnel management. The Department of Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity is linked to international partners in science and industry and provides excellent collaboration opportunities.

• Master’s degree at a domestic or foreign higher education institution in computer science or a related field. This requirement must be fulfilled two weeks before the starting date at the latest; hence, the last possible deadline for meeting this requirement is February 17, 2025
• Strong background in one or more of the following fields: declarative problem solving, combinatorial search and optimization, planning and scheduling
• Solid communication and dissemination skills
• Fluency in English (both written and spoken)

• Ability to work in a diverse team
• Programming skills and experience (preferably Python, C++, or Java)
• Knowledge of and practical experience with sub-symbolic AI methods (such as deep and reinforcement learning)
• Scientific publication and dissemination experience (in addition to the Master’s thesis)
• Experience with university teaching (for example tutor, teaching assistant, or even autonomous teaching)

The employment contract is concluded for the position as university assistant (predoctoral) and stipulates a starting salary of € 3,578.80 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 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

If you are interested in this position, please apply in English providing 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 the list of all courses and grades
• Master’s thesis; if the thesis is not (yet) available, the candidate should provide an explanation
• Three references (contact details of persons 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 February 17, 2025

To apply, please select the position with the reference code 614/24 in the category “Scientific Staff” using the link “Apply for this position” in the job portal at jobs.aau.at/en/.

Candidates must furnish proof that they meet the required qualifications by the end of the application deadline (November 6, 2024). 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 February 17, 2025.

For further information on this specific vacancy, please contact Prof. Dr. Martin Gebser (martin.gebser@aau.at). General information about the university as an employer can be found at 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 necessary, by the Representative for Disabled Persons.

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.