Quantum Science Austria (quantA) is a Cluster of Excellence (CoE) funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) and six partner institutions throughout Austria. It has a framework research program, which is implemented through a number of CoE-internal programs. One main implementation component is the Quantum Science Austria Fellowship Program. This special call seeks to attract female early-career researchers. quantA aims to support women in quantum science by providing resources and opportunities to conduct cutting-edge research in one of quantA’s three main research areas:

• Quantum Nature of Space, Time, and Gravity (STG) 

• New Paradigms for Quantum Information Science (QIS) 

• Physics of Engineered Quantum Many-Body Systems (MBS)  

The objectives of this special call for women are based on quantA’s commitment to gender equality and equal opportunities. quantA aims to:

• Promote gender equality in quantum science by addressing the gender gap and by supporting female researchers in their early career stages
• Support career development for women in science
• Encourage international collaboration and further increase female participation in quantum science in Austria by attracting top female talent from around the world.

For more information see our Research Areas.  

quantA is looking for suitable candidates who contribute to the CoE research program in a most innovative way and creative way. Two Fellowships will be funded with this call.

Candidates will work with their host of choice from among the quantA researchers with a permanent position at one of the participating institutions (see PI list). The duration of a postdoctoral Fellowship is at most two years. The program is not intended for long-term, indefinite, or career appointments. 

In addition to their salary, Fellows will be eligible to spend up to € 10000 per year on any legitimate research expense subject to the rules of the FWF, the consortium agreement, and the hosting partner institution. 

Fellowships resulting from this Call need to begin by January 1, 2026 at the latest. 

The quantA Fellowship program’s special call for women is open to female researchers of all nationalities, races and religions. They must have an outstanding research track record in quantum science and technology. Applicants must either have received their PhD within the past three years or their graduation must be imminent. In the latter case, this must be confirmed in writing by a supervisor.

Potential applicants that have taken up a research appointment in one of the quantA regions (Innsbruck, Linz, and Vienna regions) before January 1st, 2025 are not eligible for a fellowship in the same region.

Important: Prospective applicants need to coordinate with a local host, i.e. a quantum researcher with a permanent position at one of the participating institutions. 

Any positions will be funded at FWF or KV salary levels (whichever applies). Postdoc positions are for 40 h/week. Note that purchases of major equipment are not foreseen from FWF funds. 

Combined into a single pdf file please submit 

• Motivation letter (max. 1 page) 

• Research statement (max. 1 page) 

• Statement by local host in support of the application (max. 1 page) 

• CV (max. 1 page) 

• Full list of publications (with hyperlinked DOIs) and presentations 

Two letters of recommendation to be sent directly via email to quantA@uibk.ac.at  

Those proposals that are formally correct (formal criteria fulfilled, within the scope of the COE, proposer is eligible, duration and budget appropriate) will be sent out to external experts for review who will be assess the application according to a set of criteria. A ranking will be established based these reviews. Criteria for the ranking will be excellence and scientific matching with the research program of quantA. The Board of Directors (BoD) will then make the final decision to offer positions to the best-ranked applicants, subject to the available funding.