PhD position at the Institute of Physical Chemistry

Open PhD position is offered.

2400 €  / month for 3 years

FFG supported,

start September 2025

FUN4Nano-NN : This project develops fast, low-cost, and user-friendly SERS-based tools to detect persistent hydrophobic pollutants in real-world food and environmental samples. Unlike traditional chromatography, our approach uses functionalized 4NanoSERS substrates to improve selectivity, stability, and performance — making analysis possible in under 40 minutes, even for non-experts. In collaboration with Phornano GmbH, we aim to build a multiplex detection system enhanced by AI (CNNs) for high-accuracy classification and quantification. The project aim at (i) design plate like SERS substrate based on commercial one, (ii) large dataset collection in automatic mode of Raman spectrometer and (iii) applying these data for AI analytical tool development.

Requirements :

• background in chemistry / materials science / physics of materials
• background in spectroscopic methods, e.g., FTIR and Raman spectroscopy
• background in light-sensitive materials, e.g., semiconductors, plasmonic
• readiness to experimental work in laboratory
• motivation and excitement about materials science and catalysis

multidisciplinary group consisting of leading research institutions :  the University of Vienna (in Prof. Peter Lieberzeit group) and Austrian-based start-up company 4Nano (

The PhD will be realized at Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.

Related publications :   Dr. Olga Guselnikova et al., Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 2019, 145, 111718; Analytica Chimica Acta, 2022, 1192, 339373.; Nature Comm, 2024, 15,1, 4351;

What you will get :

i) hands-on experience with materials and analytic techniques useful for industry job / postdoc; (ii) fundamental understanding of surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy; (iii) international team collaborating with leading laboratories in Europe, UK and Japan; (iv) career development mentoring.

How to apply :