University Assistant (m/f/d) Full time

Offer Description

As a modern university with a strong focus on research and teaching, the Montanuniversität Leoben (Technical University of Leoben) offers outstanding opportunities for career advancement in both scientific and non-scientific domains.

The Chair of Energy Geosciences in the Department Applied Geosciences and Geophysics has a vacant position for a full-time University Assistant (m/f/d).

Salary Group B1 according to the UNI-KV, monthly minimum salary excl. Szlg.: € 3.776,10 for 40 hours per week (14x per year), actual classification is according to previous relevant experience.

Date of expected start of employment: June 1, 2026
Term of employment: 4 years
Hours of employment per week: 40 hours per week

Responsibilities:
The focus of the position is on the assessment of geological storage complexes for CO2 sequestration (CCS) and underground hydrogen storage (UHS). The basic objective is to investigate the suitability of shallow to medium-depth saline aquifers in Austrian sedimentary basins for CCS and UHS, which have so far been insufficiently described, while taking into account possible competing interests in use and protection.
Within this framework, there is flexibility in the design of the scientific sub-objectives depending on the qualifications and interests of the successful applicant, the intermediate results developed, as well as relevant accompanying projects at the Chair of Energy Geosciences.
In any case, strong networking within the working group and with Austrian industrial partners for the purpose of data procurement is an essential prerequisite for achieving the research goals. A degree with a successful dissertation at the end of the four-year-appointment is also expressly required.

Employment requirements:
Completed master’s degree in geosciences, preferably with an applied focus on geoenergy exploration
Solid fundamentals in hydrogeology, sedimentology, as well as reservoir geology and geophysics in the context of various geoenergy applications (hydrocarbons, geothermal energy, CCS, UHS)
Expertise in GIS-based geodata management
Expertise in the creation of reservoir geological models (e.g. in Petrel)
Experience in sedimentological mapping and willingness to work in the field
Structured, independent way of working and strong analytical thinking
Good knowledge of German and English (minimum level C1), both written and spoken
Sufficient fluency and personal motivation to write scientific papers and a dissertation in English
Willingness to participate in teaching on your own responsibility
Good communication and teamwork skills, as well as commitment to active interdisciplinary networking within the framework of the Doctoral School CHESS
Desired additional qualifications:
Experience with numerical simulation tools for reactive mass transport in the context of geological storage
Relevant research experience on the use of saline aquifers for CCS and/or UHS or hydrothermal energy utilization
Programming experience in Python
Advanced knowledge of geostatistics

The transition of the energy system towards climate neutrality requires, particularly in industrial applications, the use of renewable energy sources, hydrogen, and Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS). For many energy- and emission-intensive industrial processes, the conditions under which different technological pathways are systemically, economically, and infrastructurally feasible are not yet fully understood.
To address these challenges, the Technical University of Leoben is establishing the interdisciplinary Doctoral School “CCUS & Hydrogen Systems Engineering School (CHESS)”. The Doctoral School comprises five closely coordinated PhD theses that together investigate CCUS- and hydrogen-based transformation pathways across material, process, and energy system levels. The projects are embedded at several chairs of Technical University of Leoben and are jointly coordinated within the Excellence Cluster Energy.
CHESS provides doctoral researchers with a structured research framework, close scientific supervision, and interdisciplinary exchange across the participating disciplines. The aim is to develop robust transformation pathways for industry and energy systems and to further strengthen Technical University of Leoben as a leading institution in hydrogen and CCUS research.

We offer numerous benefits, including:
Convenient public transport connections (train and bus access)
Family-friendly work environment and good work-life balance
Access to occupational health services
Health promotion initiatives and annual health day
Comprehensive university sports and fitness programs
Employee discounts at selected shops and services
Language courses and support for international staff

Reference ID: 2603WPB
End of Application: 02.04.2026

The Montanuniversität Leoben (Technical University of Leoben) intends to increase the number of women on its faculty and therefore specifically invites applications by women. Among equally qualified applicants, women will receive preferential consideration.

For the application please use the online form on the homepage:
http://www.unileoben.ac.at/jobs 