The world is changing at an ever-faster pace. At the Johannes Kepler University Linz, we work on technologies and the ideas of tomorrow on a daily basis. At the same time, we educate over 27,000 young people to meet the demands of today’s job market. In short, we are Upper Austria’s largest institution for education and research. Are you interested in being a part of shaping the future of Austria’s most attractive campus university? We currently have a job opening for a:
Research Associate for a full-time, temporary position (can be extended)
Organizational unit::
Institut für Polymer Processing and Digital Transformation
Entry date::
08/03/2026
Term from:
08/03/2026
Temporary employment to::
12/31/2026
Job Reference Number::
37900-2026-002009
Job Duties::
- Collaboration in national and international research and industrial projects in the field of the digitalization of polymer processing
- Development, implementation, and commissioning of innovative measurement, sensor, and data acquisition systems for industrial applications in polymer processing
- Further development of inline process measurement technologies for real-time monitoring and quality assessment of polymer processing operations
- Development of data-driven models and application of machine learning and artificial intelligence methods for process analysis, process monitoring, and process optimization
- Planning, execution, and evaluation of experiments using state-of-the-art research and pilot-scale facilities, including the analysis of large-scale process data
- Development of digital tools, soft sensors, and intelligent assistance systems for advanced process control
- Performance of numerical simulations (e.g., CFD) to investigate and optimize polymer processing operations
- Close collaboration with industrial and research partners in the implementation of innovative solutions for polymer processing
- Presentation and publication of research results at international conferences and in peer-reviewed scientific journals
- Supervision of Bachelor's and Master's theses and contribution to teaching activities
- Active participation in the development and continuous enhancement of the institute's experimental and digital research infrastructure
Your Qualifications::
- Completed university degree (Master's or equivalent Diploma) or ongoing doctoral studies in Mechatronics, Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Data Science, Physics, or a related technical discipline
- Strong motivation for scientific research, combined with a high level of initiative and the ability to work independently
- Interest in the development and application of innovative technologies in the fields of digitalization, sensor technology, data analytics, and artificial intelligence
- Enthusiasm for experimental research, including the planning, execution, and evaluation of experiments using state-of-the-art research and industrial facilities
- Willingness to independently familiarize yourself with new research topics and to work on interdisciplinary challenges. Interest in developing in-depth process knowledge in polymer processing, particularly extrusion and injection molding
- Excellent command of German and English, both written and spoken (minimum B2 level)
- Strong communication and teamwork skills, with enthusiasm for collaborating with industrial and academic research partners
What We Offer::
- On the basis of full-time employment (40 hours/week) the minimum salary in accordance with the collective agreement is € 3,776.10 gross per month as a Research Associate holding a Diploma/Master’s degree and € 5,014.30 gross per month as a Research Associate holding a Doctorate/Ph.D. degree (14 x per year, CA Job Grade: B1)
- Employment through Kompetenzzentrum Holz GmbH (Wood K-Plus), with the primary workplace located at the Institute of Polymer Processing and Digital Transformation, Johannes Kepler University Linz.
- Stable employer
- Opportunity to pursue a doctoral (PhD) degree.
- Flexible working arrangements, including the option to work from home.
- Attractive campus environment with good public transportation connections
- Attractive continual educational opportunities
- State-of-the-art research infrastructure
- Dynamic research environment
- Broad range of on-campus dining services/healthy meals (organic food at the cafeteria)
- Exercise and sports classes (USI)
- …and much more
Application due date::
07/31/2026
:
The Johannes Kepler University wishes to increase the proportion of academic female faculty and, for this reason, especially welcomes applications by qualified women. If applicants are equally qualified, a woman will be given preference for this position. The university welcomes applications from qualified applicants with disabilities. These applications will be given special consideration.
Space for your future? We look forward to receiving your application via our job portal. For further information, please contact: Dr. Alexander Hammer, P +43 732 2468 6746, E-mail: alexander.hammer@jku.at or DI Dr. Manfred Schöflinger, P +43 732 2468 6775, E-mail: m.schoeflinger@wood-kplus.at.
Space for your future? We look forward to receiving your application via our job portal. For further information, please contact: Dr. Alexander Hammer, P +43 732 2468 6746, E-mail: alexander.hammer@jku.at or DI Dr. Manfred Schöflinger, P +43 732 2468 6775, E-mail: m.schoeflinger@wood-kplus.at.
Location::
Altenberger Straße
69,
4040
Linz