University Assistant predoctoral

Universität Wien

Job description:

The University of Vienna is a cosmopolitan hub for  more than 10,000 employees, of whom around 7,500 work in research and teaching. They want to do research and teach at a place that suits their ideas and work together towards answering the big questions of the future. You also appreciate the exchange between disciplines, cultures and generations? We are looking for a

University Assistant predoctoral

49 Faculty of Social Sciences
Startdate: 01.01.2026 | Working hours: 30 | Collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)
Limited until: 31.05.2027
Reference no.: 4823

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where over 7,500 academic minds have found a unique blend of freedom and support. Join us if you're driven by a passion for top-notch international research and scientific excellence. Ready to be part of our team? Welcome aboard!

Your personal sphere of influence:

As a Predoctoral University Assistant, you work as a member of the team led by Professor Peter Schweitzer at the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology. The research focus is on infrastructure and the interaction of natural and built environments, especially in the Arctic and Subarctic, including historical research on Russia. 

We are looking for a person with relevant research interest (dissertation topic), first research and publication experience and excellent language skills in both English and Russian.

As part of the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology not only brings together renowned scientists and students, but also different research areas, a variety of ethnographic methods, a large number of outstanding research projects and appreciative collegial exchange.

The employment duration is 17 months. An extension is not possible.
This is a part-time position. Working time is 30 hours per week. 

Your future tasks:

You actively participate in research and teaching which means:
 

• You actively contribute to research projects focusing on the anthropology of infrastructure and neighboring fields.
• You work on the finalization of your dissertation.
• You teach courses independently in accordance with the scope of the collective bargaining agreement.
• You supervise your students.
• You are involved in evaluation measures and quality assurance. 
• You take on administrative tasks in both research and teaching.

This is part of your personality:

Qualifications: 

• Completed Master's degree or Diploma, in the field of Social and Cultural Anthropology or a related field of study
• Outstanding master's thesis and excellent academic results
• Basic experience in academic writing, presentations and various research methods
• Experience in fieldwork, ideally with indigenous communities
• Excellent command of written and spoken English and Russian (C1 level)
• Team player with strong social and communication skills
• Experience in the implementation of large-scale projects is desirable
• Ideally, you have didactic skills and/or experience in lecturing and/or teaching.

What we offer:

Work-life balance: You have flexible working hours and can sometimes work remotely.
Inspiring working atmosphere: You will be part of an international team with excellent research infrastructure in a relaxed working environment.
Good public transport links: Your new workplace is easily accessible by public transport.
Internal training and coaching: We offer you the opportunity to develop your skills on an ongoing basis.
Fixed-term contract and fair salary: The gross basic salary for the advertised position is currently (2025) Euro 3.714,80 per month (on a full-time basis; 40 hrs) and will be paid 14 times per year. The basic salary may increase if we can recognise professional experience.
Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional personality to the team!

It's that easy to apply:

• With the following documents in English:
• Your academic CV (including list of publications)
• A letter of motivation or letter of intent 
• A summary of your dissertation topic (max. 1 page)
• A writing sample (article or chapter of your master's thesis)
• Contact details of persons for references
• Proof of completed master's degree and university reports/certificates 
• Via our job portal / Apply now button

If you have any content questions, please contact:

Peter Schweitzer  

peter.schweitzer@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 lay special emphasis on increasing the number of women in senior and in academic positions among the academic and general university staff and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.

University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.

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​Application deadline: 11/30/2025

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