University Assistant Predoctoral, Social Sciences

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

49 Faculty of Social Sciences
Startdate: 01.07.2026 | Working hours: 30 | Collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)
Limited until: 30.09.2027
Reference no.: 5675

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 focuses is on the topics of climate change, structural transformation and the Alpine region.

We are looking for a person with relevant research interest (dissertation topic), first research and publication experience and excellent language skills in German and English (both at least C1 level)

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 is limited to 15 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 interdisciplinary research focusing on the topics of climate change, structural transformation and the Alpine region.
• 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 success
• Fieldwork experience in in the Alpine region
• Experience in the implementation of interdisciplinary research projects
• Basic experience in academic writing, presentations and various research methods
• Excellent command of written and spoken German and English (both at least C1 level)
• Team player with strong social and communication skills
• Didactic skills and/or experience in lecturing and/or teaching are desirable

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 basic monthly gross salary is EUR € 3.776,10 (on a full-time basis). The basic salary increases if we can credit prior professional experience. The employment duration is 15 months and cannot be extended.
Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional personality to the team!

It's that easy to apply:

• With the following documents:
• Your academic CV (including list of publications) in English
• A letter of motivation in German
• A summary of your dissertation topic (max. 1 page) in English
• 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 questions, please contact:

Peter Schweitzer

[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.

University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.

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Application deadline: 06/21/2026 

Prae Doc