University Assistant Predoctoral in Networked and Embedded Systems

The following position will be filled at the Department of Networked and Embedded Systems, Mobile Systems Group, at the Faculty of Technical Sciences. The starting date is negotiable; the preferred starting date is January 11, 2027; the latest possible starting date is March 1, 2027.

University assistant predoctoral (all genders welcome) (in German: Universitätsassistent:in)

• Level of employment: 100 % (40 hours/week)
• Minimum salary: € 52,865.40 per annum (gross); classification according to collective agreement: B1
• Contract duration: 4 years
• Application deadline: November 18, 2026
• Reference code: 306-1/26

Your responsibilities – what awaits you

• Perform independent scientific work with the aim to submit a dissertation and acquire a doctoral degree in Technical Sciences
• Perform research into future networked systems, with emphasis on one of the following two domains:
  • wireless sensing or
  • resilience in networks
• Teach exercise and lab courses such as:
  • “Mobile Communications” and “Wireless Networks” in the Master’s programme “Information and Communications Engineering”
  • “Physics for Engineers: Electricity and Magnetism” in the Bachelor’s programmes “Information and Communications Engineering” and “Robotics and Artificial Intelligence”
• Participate in research projects of the group
• Participate in administrative and organisational tasks of the department (e.g., website, research database, organisation of workshops)
• Mentor and co-advise students
• Assist in public relations activities of the department and the faculty

Your profile

• Completed Diploma or Master’s degree from a recognised university in the field of information and communications engineering, electrical and computer engineering, or closely related fields. This requirement must be fulfilled two weeks before the starting date at the latest; hence, the last possible deadline for meeting this requirement is December 28, 2026.
• Advanced programming skills, preferably in Python, C/C++, or R; alternatively in Java or C#
• Fundamental knowledge in at least three of the following five areas, proven by respective courses (passed with “very good” or “good”) and answers in interview questions:
  • Wireless communications and sensing (e.g., radio propagation, physical layer techniques, Wi-Fi sensing, integrated communications and sensing)
  • Communication networks and protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi, cellular, ad hoc networks, sensor networks, medium access, routing, security and privacy, higher layer protocols)
  • Resilience in networks (e.g., resilience analysis, resilience design, fault tolerance, self-healing, multi-layer networks, concurrent shocks, resilience metrics, AI for resilience)
  • Simulation of dynamic and stochastic networks (e.g., simulation tools, simulation methodology, emergence, tipping points, performance)
  • Mathematical analysis of dynamic and stochastic networks (e.g., network theory, stochastic processes, stochastic geometry, nonlinear dynamics)
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Very good scientific communication and dissemination skills (scientific writing and oral presentations), i.e., the ability to present with clarity and rigour a technical subject

This distinguishes you additionally

• Knowledge of German (on a level suited for undergraduate teaching and PR activities)
• Good social competences and ability to work in a team
• Expertise in collaboration with industrial partners
• Expertise in experimental/hands-on work with wireless systems
• Relevant experience abroad
• First scientific contributions like co-authorship in publications

Why you will enjoy working with us

• The employment contract is concluded for the position as university assistant (predoctoral) and stipulates a starting salary of € 3,776.10 gross per month (14 times a year; previous experience deemed relevant to the job can be recognized)
• Work where it works best for you – thanks to flexible working hours and remote options
• Team spirit meets diversity – bring your individual background into our dedicated team
• Sustainably mobile – your workplace is on our green campus and easily accessible by public transport
• With us, equal opportunities apply to all: We look forward to every additional personality in the team
• Personal and professional development through diverse offers
• Numerous attractive additional benefits – including non-working days on December 24, December 31, and Good Friday, and a company pension contribution
• Family-friendly and health-promoting university culture - Our family services support staff with questions around childcare, compatibility, and family life and offers flexible care and holiday programmes. At the same time, we strengthen health and well-being with a diverse sports, massage, and preventive care programme – see https://jobs.aau.at/en/the-university-as-employer/

This position serves the purposes of the vocational and scientific education of graduates of Master’s or Diploma degree programmes and sets the goal of completing a doctoral degree/a Ph.D. in Technical Sciences. Applications by persons who have already completed a subject-specific doctoral degree or a subject-relevant Ph.D. programme can therefore not be considered.

The successful candidate will join the Mobile Systems Group led by Professor Bettstetter. They focus on the design, modelling, and analysis of novel techniques for wireless connectivity with applications in telecommunication, mobile robotics and drone systems, and industrial networks. The group is part of the Department of Networked and Embedded Systems, which is a leading partner of the university’s key research strength “Networked and Autonomous Systems”. The team is international with English as the working language and is dedicated to high quality in research and teaching. Expertise includes stochastic modelling and analysis, distributed algorithms and protocols, network simulation and performance analysis, protocol engineering, prototyping on programmable hardware, and wireless measurements. The project portfolio ranges from fundamental concepts and theories to experimental work with industry partners. Current focus topics are as follows: wireless sensing, self-organised synchronization and swarming, drones in cellular 5G/6G networks, and resilience in networks. The group has received several Best Paper Awards over the past few years. Teaching activities include lectures, courses, labs, and seminars for the established Bachelor’s programmes “Information and Communications Engineering (ICE)” and “Robotics and Artificial Intelligence” (both in English) as well as for the Master’s programme and doctoral programmes in “Information and Communications Engineering” (in English). The engagement in teaching was recognised with the Excellence in Teaching Award of the university. The offices and laboratories are in the modern and well-equipped Lakeside Science & Technology Park.

We look forward to receiving your application no later than November 18, 2026. Candidates must furnish proof that they meet the graduation requirement by the end of the application deadline. However, candidates who fulfil the required qualifications but do not yet possess the required Master’s or Diploma degree can apply, provided they are able to meet this requirement at least two weeks before the preferred starting date. Therefore, the latest possible deadline for meeting this requirement is December 28, 2026.

If you are interested in this position, please apply in German or English providing the following mandatory documents:

• Letter of application, describing how you fulfil the requirements listed in “Your profile”:
• Curriculum vitae with clear information about the degrees including date/place/grade, the experience acquired, the thesis title, the list of publications if any, and any other relevant information
• Copy of the degree certificates (both Bachelor and Master) and transcripts of the courses
• Any certificates that can prove the fulfilment of the required and additional qualifications listed above (e.g., the submission of the final thesis/dissertation if required by the degree programme, copy of publications, programming skills certificates, language skills certificates etc.)
• Final thesis or other study-related written work (like seminar reports) or excerpts thereof
• If an applicant has not received the Diploma or Master’s degree by the application deadline, the applicant shall provide a declaration, written either by a supervisor or by the candidate themselves, on the feasibility of finishing the Diploma or Master’s degree by December 28, 2026 at the latest

Do you have further questions? Please contact Univ.-Prof. Dr. Christian Bettstetter (christian.bettstetter@aau.at, nes.aau.at). Recruitment and staff matters at the University of Klagenfurt are accompanied by the authority responsible for the recruitment procedure as well as by the Equal Opportunities Working Group and, if applicable, by the Representative for Disabled Persons.

The University of Klagenfurt strives to increase the proportion of women in all areas where they are underrepresented and expressly encourages qualified women to apply. In case of equal qualifications, women will be given preference. The University of Klagenfurt is committed to anti-discrimination, equal opportunities, and diversity. People with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses who meet the required qualification criteria are expressly 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 Job Portal shall be legally binding.

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