The Polshyn Group at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to study correlated electrons in van der Waals systems, with emphasis on topological states and superconductivity in graphene moiré heterostructures. ISTA currently lists the position among its open vacancies. The salary starts at €73,500 gross per year, and the start date is flexible.
ISTA Van der Waals Materials Postdoc at a Glance
| Position | Postdoc in Physics of van der Waals Materials |
|---|---|
| Institution | Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) |
| Research group | Polshyn Group — Emergent Electronic Phenomena in 2D Materials |
| Location | Klosterneuburg, near Vienna, Austria |
| Research field | Experimental condensed matter physics, 2D materials and graphene |
| Starting salary | €73,500 gross per year |
| Start date | Flexible |
| Application deadline | No fixed closing date stated on the current vacancy page |
| Current status | OPEN — listed on ISTA’s current Open Positions page |
| Last verified | 24 September 2026 |
Research Focus: Correlated Electrons in van der Waals Systems
The Polshyn Group studies emergent electronic states in two-dimensional materials. The advertised postdoc focuses on experimentally probing correlated electrons in van der Waals systems, particularly topological states and superconductivity in graphene moiré heterostructures.
The vacancy identifies two main experimental directions:
- low-temperature electronic transport measurements on moiré van der Waals devices; or
- low-temperature scanning probe microscopy of moiré van der Waals devices.
The group combines atomically thin crystals into tunable heterostructures and uses advanced nanofabrication, ultra-low-temperature transport and scanning probe methods to investigate strongly correlated electronic phases, topology, superconductivity and magnetism.
Key Responsibilities
| Experimental research | Design and carry out experiments on strongly correlated electronic phases in moiré graphene heterostructures. |
|---|---|
| Device fabrication | Use ISTA nanofabrication facilities to create van der Waals heterostructure devices. |
| Low-temperature measurements | Perform transport or scanning probe measurements at cryogenic temperatures, depending on the project direction. |
| Research ownership | Develop experiments, interpret results and contribute to publication-quality research. |
Eligibility and Required Profile
| Degree | PhD in Physics with a focus on experimental condensed matter physics |
|---|---|
| Core expertise | Strong expertise in either low-temperature electronic transport or low-temperature scanning probe microscopy |
| Nanofabrication | Experience with nanofabrication and micro-characterisation techniques |
| Preferred cryogenic experience | Operation of a dilution refrigerator and measurements at millikelvin temperatures are strongly desired |
| Preferred materials experience | Prior work with van der Waals / two-dimensional materials is strongly desired |
Skills That Match the Position
The strongest applications will show direct experimental fit rather than broad materials-science experience alone. Relevant experience may include:
- cryogenic electrical transport;
- dilution refrigerators and millikelvin measurements;
- scanning probe microscopy at low temperature;
- graphene and other atomically thin materials;
- moiré heterostructure fabrication;
- cleanroom nanofabrication;
- micro-characterisation and device processing;
- strongly correlated electron systems, topology or superconductivity.
Salary and Employment Conditions at ISTA
The vacancy states a starting salary of €73,500 gross per year. ISTA’s 2026 postdoctoral salary framework has three full-time salary levels.
| PD1 | €5,250 gross × 14 payments = €73,500/year |
|---|---|
| PD2 | €5,499 gross × 14 payments = €76,986/year |
| PD3 | €5,748 gross × 14 payments = €80,472/year |
The applicable level is determined by the group leader under ISTA’s postdoctoral salary-allocation framework. ISTA notes that postdocs are employees of the institute and are covered by Austrian social-security provisions.
| Working time | Full-time employment corresponds to 40 hours per week |
|---|---|
| Vacation | 25 working days per year |
| Social insurance | Health, work-accident and pension insurance under Austrian social-security law |
| Institutional benefits | Training opportunities, cafeteria, childcare, free shuttle connection, health offers and pension-related benefits are listed by ISTA |
Application Documents
The official vacancy requests:
- cover letter;
- curriculum vitae;
- publication list;
- references.
For this role, the cover letter should make the experimental match clear. Relevant cryogenic platforms, fabrication methods, scanning probe systems, graphene or moiré-device work and publication ownership should be easy to identify.
How to Apply
ISTA’s vacancy page instructs applicants to submit the requested materials directly to Prof. Hryhoriy Polshyn by email. The current vacancy does not specify a fixed closing date.
CareerAidHub Application Checklist
- Confirm the vacancy is still listed on ISTA’s Open Positions page.
- Tailor the cover letter to one or both advertised experimental directions.
- Show hands-on experience with cryogenic transport or scanning probe microscopy.
- State your actual role in device fabrication and low-temperature experiments.
- Use the publication list to highlight work most relevant to 2D materials, quantum materials, topology or superconductivity.
- Choose referees who can comment on your experimental independence and research judgement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ISTA Polshyn Group postdoc still open?
Yes. As of 24 September 2026, ISTA still lists the position on its current Open Positions page.
What is the salary?
The vacancy states a starting salary of €73,500 gross per year. ISTA’s 2026 postdoc framework also includes PD2 and PD3 levels where the applicable allocation criteria are met.
Is there a fixed application deadline?
No fixed closing date is stated on the current vacancy page. Applicants should apply while the position remains listed and verify availability before submission.
What experimental expertise is most relevant?
The vacancy specifically seeks strong expertise in low-temperature electronic transport or low-temperature scanning probe microscopy, together with nanofabrication and micro-characterisation experience.
Is van der Waals materials experience mandatory?
ISTA lists prior experience with van der Waals materials as strongly desired rather than as an absolute requirement.
How is the application submitted?
The official vacancy instructs applicants to email their cover letter, CV, publication list and references directly to Prof. Hryhoriy Polshyn.
Official Sources and Application Contact
| Official vacancy | ISTA — Postdoc in Physics of van der Waals Materials (Polshyn Group) |
|---|---|
| Current status check | ISTA — Open Positions |
| Research group | ISTA — Polshyn Group: Emergent Electronic Phenomena in 2D Materials |
| Salary / working conditions | ISTA Postdoc Office — 2026 postdoctoral employment and salary framework |
| Application contact | Prof. Hryhoriy Polshyn — hryhoriy.polshyn@ist.ac.at |
CareerAidHub verified the vacancy against ISTA’s official position page, current Open Positions listing, Polshyn Group page and 2026 Postdoc Office salary information on 24 September 2026.
