Project Assistant (all genders) (Prae-Doc)

Project Assistant (all genders) (Prae-Doc) 40 hours/week, for 3 years

TU Wien is Austria’s largest research and educational institution in the fields of technology and natural sciences. More than 4,000 scientists in eight faculties conduct research on “Technology for People” in five main research areas. The content of the offered studies is based on this excellent research. The more than 27,000 students in the 55 studies offered benefit from this. As a driver of innovation, TU Wien strengthens the business location, enables cooperation and contributes to the prosperity of society.

A position is open for a project assistant (all genders) at the faculty of civil and environmental engineering of TU Wien to undertake research on automation in structural concrete with the opportunity to graduate with a PhD. Reinforced concrete is the most commonly used material for the construction of buildings and infrastructure worldwide. Due to the low material costs of concrete and reinforcing steel, the focus in recent decades has been on reducing working time. This has led to simple but resource-intensive structures. In addition, the industry has been struggling for many years with productivity losses due to a shortage of skilled workers. The research projects in which the successful candidate will be involved aim to advance the automated and digital fabrication of reinforced structural elements using robotics and 3D concrete printing. By increasing the level of prefabrication, productivity is expected to be significantly enhanced. A “file-to-factory” process will be developed, linking structural calculation directly with the generation of production data for robotic systems. After fabrication, the components will be experimentally tested in the laboratory. The project consortia consist of a multidisciplinary team with experts from different universities and industrial partners. The duration of the position is tied to the project duration of three years. However, if additional funds are available during this period, an extension of the position duration can be negotiated.

Tasks:

• Development of automation processes for reinforced 3D-printed concrete components.
• Maintaining close collaboration with industry partner
• Experimental testing on reinforced concrete structures with optimised geometry.
• Preparing publications and presentations for peer-reviewed journals and scientific audiences
• Participating in university teaching (lectures, laboratory exercises, bachelor and diploma thesis co-supervision)
• Assisting with organisational and administrative tasks. Contributing to tasks that are common to the daily life of a research group (seminars, lab cleaning, machine maintenance, etc)

Your profile:

• Completion of a master or diploma curriculum in a related subject
• Knowledge of scientific research methodologies.
• Advanced knowledge in the field of concrete construction.
• Experience in automation (robotics) is a plus.
• Experience in parametric design (Grasshopper) is a plus.
• Experience with experimental investigations is a plus.
• Very good skills in English (oral and writing). German is a plus.
• Programming skills (e.g., Python) or software knowledge in Matlab is a plus.
• Interest in research in the field and working with students.
• Interest in working in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Teamwork skills, problem-solving abilities, and innovation capability.

We Offer:

• A wide variety and exciting range of tasks in a young and vibrant team
• Good connections to industry and benefits for travelling
• Hybrid working style with home office option
• A range of attractive social benefits (see Fringe-Benefit Catalogue of TU Wien)
• Wide range of internal and external training opportunities, various career options
• Central location of workplace as well as good accessibility (U1/U4 Karlsplatz)
• The possibility to learn German

TU Wien is committed to increase female employment in leading scientific positions. Female candidates are explicitly encouraged to apply. Preference will be given when equally qualified. People with special needs are equally encouraged to apply. In case of any questions, please contact the confidant for disabled persons at the university (contact: [email protected]) Entry level salary as a predoctoral researcher is covered by level B1 of the Austrian Collective Agreement for university staff, and receives a minimum of currently EUR 3.714,80 /month gross, 14 times/year. Relevant working experiences may increase the monthly income.

We look forward to receiving your application by email: [email protected] until 23.October 2025.

Candidates are not eligible for a refund of expenses for travelling and lodging related to the application process.