Technische Universität Graz, commonly known as TU Graz, stands as one of Austria's leading technical universities, renowned for its excellence in engineering, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary research. Located in the vibrant city of Graz, Steiermark, this institution offers a dynamic environment for academic professionals seeking university jobs in Europe. With a history dating back to 1811, TU Graz has evolved into a hub for innovation, particularly in areas like sustainable mobility, digital transformation, and human-centered technologies.
Jobs at TU Graz span faculty positions, research roles, and administrative opportunities, attracting talents from around the world. The university employs over 4,000 staff, including around 500 professors and numerous researchers. Its strategic focus on future technologies makes it an ideal place for those passionate about impactful work in higher education. Whether you're eyeing professor jobs or research assistant positions, TU Graz provides competitive salaries aligned with Austrian public service standards, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive research ecosystem funded by national and EU grants.
Founded as the Joanneum by Archduke John in 1811, TU Graz gained university status in 1955 and has since become Austria's second-largest technical university. Today, it hosts 13 faculties covering mechanical engineering and economics, with strengths in computer science (ranked top in Austria) and architecture. The university's research output exceeds 10,000 publications annually, bolstered by collaborations with industry leaders like AVL and Magna Steyr in Graz's automotive cluster.
This legacy influences job opportunities, emphasizing practical innovation. For instance, the Institute of Mechanics leads in lightweight materials, creating demand for experts in simulation and materials science. Understanding this context helps candidates tailor applications to TU Graz's problem-solving ethos.
Jobs at Technische Universität Graz include tenure-track assistant professors, full professors, postdoctoral researchers, research assistants (often PhD students), and lecturers. Administrative roles cover project management and international offices. Professor positions involve 50% research, 50% teaching, while research roles focus on grants like ERC Starting Grants, which TU Graz has secured multiple times.
Explore university job types for specifics. Current openings often target fields like electrical engineering and biotechnology.
To secure jobs at TU Graz, candidates need rigorous qualifications. A PhD (Doktorat) in the relevant field is mandatory for research and faculty roles. Habilitation or equivalent (e.g., venia docendi) is required for full professorships. Research focus aligns with TU Graz's six fields of expertise: Mobility & Production Technology, Human & Biotechnology, Information & Software Technology, Materials Science, Sustainable Systems, and Advanced Materials.
Preferred experience includes 5+ peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals (e.g., Nature, IEEE), grant acquisition (FWF, ERC), and international collaborations. Skills like programming (Python, MATLAB), finite element analysis, or machine learning are prized in engineering roles.
Successful applicants demonstrate interdisciplinary skills, strong communication, and project leadership. Competencies include:
Soft skills like adaptability to Austria's consensus-driven culture enhance prospects.
The application process for jobs at TU Graz starts with online submission via the university's career portal (karriere.tugraz.at). Required documents: cover letter, CV, publication list, research/teaching statement, references. Deadlines are strict, often 4-6 weeks.
Tip: Austrian applications value modesty; focus on team contributions.
TU Graz champions diversity through its Diversity Management Office and 'Equal Opportunities Plan'. Initiatives include:
In 2023, 35% of new hires were women, exceeding national averages. The university partners with organizations like Austrian Research Promotion Agency for inclusive grants.
TU Graz prioritizes well-being with 35-hour workweeks, 30+ vacation days, and flexible hours. Campus life in Graz features modern facilities: Inffeldgasse labs, sports center with climbing walls, and on-site kindergarten. Graz, Europe's 2025 Green Capital, offers cultural richness—UNESCO old town, Schlossberg hill—plus proximity to Alps for hiking.
Support includes EAP counseling, yoga classes, and sabbaticals. Salaries: Research assistants ~€40,000 gross/year; professors €70,000-€120,000. Housing aid helps internationals settle in affordable Steiermark.
Habilitation: Advanced qualification post-PhD, involving a thesis and lecture qualification for professorship in Austria.
FWF (Fonds zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung): Austrian Science Fund, primary national research grant body.
ERC Grants: European Research Council funding for frontier research, highly competitive.
Venia Legendi: Teaching license earned via habilitation.
TU Graz combines cutting-edge research with a high quality of life. For more higher ed jobs, career advice via higher ed career advice, or university jobs, visit AcademicJobs.com. Employers can post a job to attract top talent.
Ready to advance your career? Check openings at faculty jobs or postdoc opportunities.
