University Assistant Predoc at the Department of Science and Technology Studies Universität Wien

Job description:

At the University of Vienna almost 11,000 personalities work together towards answering the big questions of the future. Around 3,000 of them work in administration and organisation, around 7,700 do research and teaching. We are currently seeking a/an

University Assistant Predoc at the Department of Science and Technology Studies

We are looking for a PhD student to join the Department of Science and Technology Studies, which is part of the Faculty of Social Sciences. Science and Technology Studies is a social science field with a strong interdisciplinary orientation that analyses the interactions of science, technology, and society. The department offers the English language master program 'Science, Technology, Society', as well as a number of course formats for other programs. Your tasks will include developing and carrying out your dissertation project, teaching, and actively participating in department activities.

Your personal sphere of influence

You will work with Professor Maximilian Fochler, with a focus on Science and Knowledge Cultures. Your planned research should fall under this theme.
Relevant topics can include but are not limited to: (new) forms of academic assessment and evaluation and their impact, inter- and transdisciplinarity, the engagement with societal actors in knowledge production, responsible research and innovation, the commercialisation of research and academic capitalism, and university governance and policy. Thematically, an interest in studying environmental research broadly defined, the life sciences or the social sciences is particularly welcome.

The position is advertised to the extent of 30 hours/week (75%) for a period of four years. The anticipated start date is September 2026.

Your future tasks:

The successful candidate will work on a PhD dissertation, participate in research activities, and contribute to the organisation of the department and its teaching. You will:

• Design and carry out your PhD research;
• Collaborate with colleagues and participate in department seminars and research activities;
• Present your research at national and international conferences, meetings, and symposia;
• Teach courses independently within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement;
• Contribute to the organisation of department activities and processes.

This is part of your personality:

• You have a university degree (Master or equivalent) in the Social Sciences or in another field, if you can provide evidence of significant prior experience in Science and Technology Studies;
• You have knowledge of the theories and methods of Science and Technology Studies;
• You can demonstrate the ability to successfully plan, conduct, and write up research;
• You are motivated to contribute to innovative teaching;
• You have excellent proficiency in English. Proficiency in German (or readiness to acquire it) is an advantage;
• You are interested in team work and collective research activities;
• You are reliable and well organised.

What we offer:

• A lively, active, and internationally oriented STS environment;
• Mentorship and a commitment to supportive supervision that helps you realise your research;
• A department culture with regular opportunities to exchange and socialise;
• Emphasis on work-life balance and on healthy research culture;
• Support and training through participation in the Vienna Doctoral School of Social Sciences;
• Opportunities for internal training and coaching as well as enhancement of personal skills from the University of Vienna.
• The basic monthly gross salary for this advertised position is € 3.776,10 (full-time basis) and will be paid 14 times a year for a period of four years (i.e., the duration of the contract). The basic salary increases if we can credit prior professional experience.
• Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to four years if the employer does not terminate it within the first twelve months by submitting a non-extension declaration.

It is that easy to apply, with a:

• Curriculum Vitae;
• Letter of motivation specifying your capacities in the above mentioned areas of work;
• Transcripts of prior academic studies;
• A 3-5 page outline of your proposed PhD project in Science and Technology Studies on a topic relating to Science and Knowledge Cultures;
• A list of five key references that you think should be covered in an introductory course to Science and Technology Studies at a bachelor level, including a short explanation of how you personally relate to this reference and why you see it as relevant in this context;
• Names and contact details of two referees.

If you have any content questions, please contact:

Maximilian Fochler

maximilian.fochler@univie.ac.at

We look forward to new personalities in our team! 
The University of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance to equal opportunities, the advancement of women and diversity. We place particular emphasis on enhancing women’s representation among the academic and general university staff, particularly in leadership roles, and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.

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Application deadline: 05/19/2026 

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