University assistant predoctoral Universität Wien

Job description:

The University of Vienna is a community of almost 11,000 individuals, including approximately 7,700 academic staff members, who passionately pursue answers to the profound questions that shape our future. They represent individuals driven by curiosity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With us, they find the space to try things out and unfold their potential. Are you inspired by their passion and determination? We are currently seeking a/an

University assistant predoctoral

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where more than 7,500 academics thrive on curiosity in continuous exploration and help us better understand our world. Does this sound like you? Then join our accomplished team!

Your personal sphere of influence:

As university assistant and doctoral student, you work in the Spatial Sustainability and Digitalization Transformation Hub (SSDT Hub) led by Yvonne Franz who is also the director of study program at the department. The SSDT Hub conducts research on the nexus of spatial analysis and sustainability and digitalization transformation. It aims to advance academic knowledge and debates on spatial thinking and a critical understanding of spatialized social transformation processes. The SSDT Hub consists of all working groups at the Department of Geography and Regional Research and is excellently embedded in the international network of researchers and practitioners. As doctoral student, you will contribute to addressing relevant socio-spatial processes which include research on housing market transitions, caring communities as well as social innovation in neighborhood development. From a methodological perspective, you strive for comparative analyses focusing on urban environments. It is particularly important to us that every employee is highly motivated, enjoys being part of a team, and is open to challenges. 

Your future tasks:

You actively participate in research, teaching & administration, which means:

• While your primary task will be in research, your work will also include teaching, administrative tasks and supporting the SSDT Hub in research-led as well as science-to-public activities.
• Development and completion of a dissertation on urban transformation processes from a comparative perspective. An interest in housing market transitions, caring communities as well as social innovation in neighbourhood development is an asset.
• Willingness to conduct fieldwork outside of Vienna.
• Participation in the preparation of research proposals and acquisition of third-party funding.
• Participation in scientific studies, publication projects, and presentations.
• Integration into the SSDT Hub and contribution to research and teaching group activities.
• Supervision of students and holding classes in accordance with wage agreement regulations.
• You will be part of the VISESS Doctoral School and we expect you to complete your dissertation agreement within 12-18 months. 

This is part of your personality:

• Passion for urban studies related topics and strong interest in developing innovative methodologies.
• You hold a master’s degree or diploma (or equivalent) in Geography (or a related and relevant discipline) with at least distinction.
• A background in urban geography, urban studies, urban sociology or political science is an asset.
• Very good knowledge of qualitative and/or quantitative social science research methods. Experience in research on Vienna is an asset.
• Profound skills in moderation and didactics.
• You are self-motivated, eager to grow, and capable of working both independently and in international team environments.
• You are able to manage project activities, for example, writing documentation, delivering project results on time, and presenting them to others.
• Good English language skills, both written and spoken, are required.
• A strong command of German is an asset.
• You are looking forward to new tasks, and you are willing to participate actively in scientific discourse and transformative teaching. 

What we offer:

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours in the office and remotely (“telework” / within Austria / upon agreement / up to a certain extent). 

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment.

Good public transport connections: Your workplace is easily accessible by public transport.

Internal further training & Coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.

Fair salary: The basic salary corresponds to the collective agreement for employees of the universities according to § 48 VwGr. B1 basic level (paredoc): EUR 3,776.10 on a full-time basis (14x per year, amount as of 1 January 2026).

Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

Employment duration: The employment duration is 3 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 3 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a non-extension letter. Towards the end of the 3 years, an extension to 4 years might be possible in mutual agreement if the successful candidate has shown their abilities and if funds are available.

It is that easy to apply:

• Motivation video (maximum length: 3 minutes) illustrating your passion for innovative urban studies. Use any common video format; please share the link to your video file in your scientific CV.
• Scientific curriculum vitae
• Two-page concept note outlining your ideas for the doctoral project on a current topic in urban studies connected to the nexus spatial analysis and sustainability and digitalization transformation. Include the following headings: Problem context, Conceptual approach, Objectives and research questions, Methodological approach, References.
• Degree certificates
• Your masters’ thesis or diploma studies thesis (in pdf format)
• Via our  job portal/ Apply now -  button

Online interview: shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview on 05.08.2026

If you have any questions, please contact:

Yvonne Franz  

yvonne.franz@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.

University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.

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​Application deadline: 07/27/2026 

Apply now