The University of Vienna’s Department of Astrophysics is hiring a University Assistant (Post-Doc) for Astronomical Data Flow Systems. You will design and implement reliable software systems for groundbreaking astronomical discoveries, working at the interface of hardware and software for world-leading observatories like the ELT. You will play a central role in shaping the software for the ELT's first-light instruments, MICADO and METIS.
What You'll Do
- Implement software products based on existing design documents for ELT instruments.
- Define, install, and maintain the network infrastructure needed to connect software and hardware during instrument Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT).
- Collaborate with astronomers and instrument-builders in the MICADO and METIS consortia teams to test, verify, update, and document software and operational use cases.
- Solve technical IT challenges during integration in the AIT construction hall and later at the telescope site.
- Work closely with local scientists to guarantee that the developed software meets or exceeds ESO’s scientific and performance requirements.
- Hold courses independently within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
What We're Looking For
- A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in software development for astronomy-related projects, preferably in data flow systems or data reduction pipelines.
- Experience with the ESO DFS software stack, such as EDPS, EsoRex, CPL, etc.
- A PhD / Doctoral Degree in astronomy, physics, or equivalent professional expertise.
- Solid knowledge of software engineering methods, network/system administration, and version control systems.
Nice to Have
- Hands-on experience with testing, verification, and documentation of the complex software systems involved with telescope instrumentation projects.
- Fluency in English (spoken and written); knowledge of German is an asset.
- Strong opinions on good software practices.
Technical Stack
- ESO DFS software stack (EDPS, EsoRex, CPL)
Team & Environment
You will join the Department of Astrophysics with currently around 90 members, which is part of the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy.
Benefits & Compensation
- Inspiring working atmosphere within a dedicated team on forefront science.
- Privileged access to the Austrian Scientific Computing super-computing facility.
- Access to ESO and ESA first-class observing facilities.
- Flexible working hours.
- Possibility to work remotely within Austria upon agreement.
- Good public transport connections to the University Observatory.
- Internal further training & Coaching with over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.
- Equal opportunities for all.
- Basic brutto salary of EUR 5.014,30 (14 times a year, amount as of 1 January 2026).
Work Mode
This is a hybrid position located in Vienna, Austria.
The University of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance to equal opportunities, the advancement of women and diversity. We place particular emphasis on enhancing women’s representation among the academic and general university staff, particularly in leadership roles, and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.
