University Assistant Predoctoral, Historical and Cultural Studies

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

40 Faculty of Historical and Cultural Studies
Startdate: 01.02.2027 | Working hours: 30 | Collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)
Limited until: 31.01.2030
Reference no.: 6196

As one of Europe’s largest research institutions, the University of Vienna offers an exceptionally broad range of subjects and, as such, an outstanding infrastructure for transdisciplinary research in the humanities.

Your personal sphere of influence:

The Department of Prehistory and Historical Archaeology is advertising a position (predoctoral University assistant to Prof. Thomas Kühtreiber) in the field of settlement and landscape archaeology of the Middle Ages and the modern era. The position is closely linked to the ongoing research programme ‘Dynamics in Rural Areas’ being conducted by the Chair of Historical Archaeology.

Your future tasks:

The pre-doctoral research assistant is expected to participate in ongoing research projects and to develop a doctoral thesis on settlement dynamics in Eastern Austria during the second millennium AD, with a particular focus on the phenomenon of abandoned villages. The integration of landscape archaeological methods and experience with GIS applications are prerequisites for this.

• Participation in research, teaching and administration: involvement in research projects
• Contribution to publications / academic articles / lecturing
• A dissertation proposal is expected to be finalised within 12 months
• Participation in, and independent delivery of teaching modules in accordance with the provisions of the collective agreement
• Student supervision
• Participation in the organisation of meetings, conferences and symposia
• Participation in departmental, teaching and research administration

This is part of your personality:

• Successful candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Prehistory and Historical Archaeology or a related discipline.
• They must have knowledge of settlement and landscape archaeology from the medieval and modern periods, demonstrated through relevant training or practical experience (e.g. a Master’s thesis on a relevant topic, participation in a field school or work on a relevant research project)
• Initial experience in the interpretation of complex settlement finds at the micro- and macro-levels, including the analysis of small finds, would be an advantage
• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (preferably QGIS) is desirable
• During the initial period, proficiency in German (C1) must be demonstrated; written and spoken English (B2) forms an important basis for the work.
• Initial experience in academic project work is an advantage

What we offer:

• Contract 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 declaration of non-extension. With appropriate work progress, an extension to a total maximum of 4 years is possible.
• Fair salary: The monthly gross salary is 3.836,10 € (on a full-time basis, 14x/year) and it increases if we can credit professional experience.
• Work-Life-Balance: The position is for 30 hours per week. You will have flexible working hours and may also work remotely on a part-time basis. We place great importance on a high degree of flexibility in working hours, particularly with regard to applicants’ care responsibilities.
• Inspiring working atmosphere: We offer the opportunity to work within an international and interdisciplinary team drawing on a range of theoretical and methodological approaches and research traditions.
• Good public transport connections: Your workplace in the center of beautiful Vienna is easily accessible by public transport. The place of work is Vienna, unless you are traveling for research and conference purposes. A workspace in a shared office will be provided.
• Internal further training: We continuously offer you opportunities to expand and deepen your skills, including through participation in the Doctoral School of Historical and Cultural Studies (DSHCS) .
• Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional personality to the team!

It is that easy to apply:

• Applications can be submitted in German or English and must include
• letter of motivation (max. 2 pages)
• CV
• a brief outline of a phD-project (max. 2 pages)
• Master-Thesis
• Leaving certificates
• further documents, if necessary. 

If you have any questions, please contact:

Thomas Kühtreiber

[email protected]

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: 10/31/2026

Prae Doc