career in industry

career in industry

Are you a scientist or researcher living in Austria or abroad and thinking about moving into industry? Below you’ll find a practical overview of research and postdoc jobs outside academia in Austria.

Where?

Austria has a strong, innovation-driven economy, with key sectors including mechanical engineering, automotive technology, electronics, life sciences, and environmental technologies. Research and development (R&D) play a major role in many Austrian companies. The country ranks above the EU average in terms of R&D spending and offers good opportunities for highly qualified professionals.

Who?

Industry in Austria needs skilled people at many levels – whether you hold a master’s degree, a PhD, or have several years of research experience. Some companies look for young graduates, while others seek highly specialized profiles (such as PhD holders or postdocs). Your chances also depend on your background. Positions in natural sciences, engineering, or IT tend to be more accessible than those in the humanities. Previous work experience is always a plus.

If you’re from an EU or EFTA country, there are virtually no legal barriers to working in Austria. And even for applicants from outside Europe, many companies are open to hiring international researchers – especially in sectors where there is a shortage of qualified personnel. While speaking German is certainly an advantage, many teams work in English, especially in international or research-intensive environments.

For how long?

Unlike academic contracts, most jobs in the private sector are permanent. If a position is temporary, the duration will be clearly stated in the job posting.

What are the working conditions?

Jobs in industry usually come with clearly defined working conditions, specified in your contract. Most positions are full-time, but part-time work is also becoming more common. If you’re employed at less than 100%, your workload and salary are adjusted accordingly – and unpaid overtime is typically not expected.

What about salary?

Salaries vary widely depending on the sector, the company, your role, and your experience. A gross monthly salary for a PhD graduate might start around ¤3,500 to ¤4,000 – or significantly more in high-demand areas like IT, biotech, or pharmaceuticals. Austria has binding collective agreements (Kollektivverträge) in many sectors, which set minimum salaries and conditions. Your final salary offer must be stated in the employment contract.

How to proceed?

Start by browsing major job platforms such as karriere.at, StepStone.at, the AMS job portal, or derStandard.at/Jobs. Also check company websites – some large firms have their own career portals. Apply directly to positions that interest you. If you’re not an EU citizen, the employer will typically guide you through the visa and work permit process.

🛠️ Tips for Getting Started in Industry

  • 🔍 Search with a clear focus – Use job portals like karriere.at, StepStone, derStandard.at/Jobs, or the AMS platform. Company websites also frequently post open roles.

  • 📄 Tailor your documents – A concise, well-structured CV and a custom cover letter (avoid generic templates!) will help you stand out.

  • 🤝 Tap into your network – Reach out via alumni associations, LinkedIn, career fairs, or research events. Many jobs are filled through informal contacts.

  • 🇩🇪 Improve your German – Even if English is spoken in many research teams, basic German skills help with integration and communication in the workplace.

  • 🧭 Understand collective agreements – These set minimum salaries and other conditions in many sectors. You can find more information via the Austrian Economic Chambers (WKO).

  • 🧳 If you’re from abroad – Make sure you understand visa or work permit requirements early on. Websites like help.gv.at or the Austrian Integration Fund can help.

  • 🧪 Leverage your research experience – Analytical thinking, critical reasoning, and a structured approach to complex problems are highly valued in industry.

  • 📋 Highlight project management skills – If you’ve led research projects, managed budgets, coordinated teams, or met tight deadlines, you’re already bringing project management experience – a big plus in many industry roles.