Vienna Research Groups 2025 – Transforming Science with AI/ML


Open to new ideas. Since 1365. The University of Vienna is a research university with high international visibility and a wide range of degree programmes. We are committed to basic research that is open to applications and to research-led teaching, as well as to the dialogue with economy and society. We strive to actively promote the careers of young researchers, to contribute to the education of future generations and to augment the society’s ability to innovate. We invite you to become part of this dynamic and vibrant organisation.

At the University of Vienna up to three positions of a

Tenure-Track Professorship
in the field of
Information and Communication Technologies 
“Transforming Science with AI/ML”

(full-time position) are to be filled.

We are looking for applicants that develop cutting-edge AI/ML concepts, approaches, and methods to advance a specific research field or discipline. Emphasis will be placed on the advancement of AI/ML concepts, approaches and methods and the transformative potential of the AI/ML-informed proposed research for the respective discipline.

The aim of this announcement is to source exceptional candidates, who, once selected by the University of Vienna, will then go on to submit an application together with an experienced host scientist (proponent) at the University of Vienna, to the current call for young investigators by the Vienna Science and Technology Fund (WWTF)https://www.wwtf.at/funding/programmes/vrg/#VRG25

In the case of a successful funding decision, the research group will be financed for up to 8 years, with up to 1.8 million EUR being provided by the WWTF, supplemented by an additional contribution from the University. Successful VRG leaders for the grant will then be offered a tenure track professorship. The evaluation for tenure as Associate Professor at the University of Vienna is performed jointly with an interim evaluation of the WWTF grant, as a general rule after four years.


Successful candidates should have the following qualifications:

  • Doctoral degree/PhD and two to eight years post-doctoral research experience with strong foundations in AI/ML and domain knowledge in another discipline; care duties may extend this period up to four years.
  • A thorough understanding of the need for AI/ML in the proposed field and the ability to work across disciplines are crucial.
  • Outstanding achievements and potential in research, excellent publication record, international reputation.
  • Experience in designing and participating in research projects, ability to lead research groups, willingness to acquire third-party funding
  • Enthusiasm for excellent teaching, teaching experience at universities or a teaching concept. Candidates are expected to be willing to teach students at all levels (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level), to supervise academic theses and to promote junior colleagues
  • Applicants are currently (till March 2025) not employed in Austria and must have gained research experience at a university or other research institution outside of Austria for a total of at least two years in the previous three years.

The University of Vienna expects a successful candidate to acquire, proficiency in German sufficient for teaching in bachelor’s programmes and for the participation in university committees, within three years.


We offer:

  • the opportunity to obtain a permanent position and eventual promotion to full professor. A successful candidate is hired as “Assistant professor” for a maximum duration of six years. If the candidate meets the conditions stipulated in the qualification agreement, the assistant professor is promoted to tenured “associate professor”, i.e. obtains a permanent position. If the conditions are not met, the employment will end upon expiry of the contract. Associate professors can be promoted to “full professor” through a university-internal competitive procedure.
  • at least a salary according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement for University Staff: section 49, job group A2
  • in addition to the statutory social insurance, the University of Vienna offers a pension scheme to its employees
  • a dynamic research environment
  • attractive working conditions in a city with a high quality of life
  • a wide range of support services offered by central service institutions
  •  

The University of Vienna is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity (http://diversity.univie.ac.at). The University strives to increase the share of women in professorial positions. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female applicants.


Further information:

Please contact suitable host scientists at the University of Vienna as soon as possible to be able to clarify necessary internal steps before you start your WWTF application.

Hosts can be found via the Faculty websites or with help our research database ucris.

WWTF VRG Call: Vienna Research Groups for Young Investigators - WWTF

The application deadline for the WWTF grant application is March 11, 2025, 2pm.


For further information on the WWTF call please contact:

Thanu Thiengthepvongsa
Research Services and Career Development
University of Vienna
thanu.thiengthepvongsa@univie.ac.at