Postdoc (f/m/x)

The Institute for the Cultural and Intellectual History of Asia (IKGA) at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW), Austria’s leading non-university research and science institution, is offering a

POSTDOC POSITION (f/m/x)

(full-time, 40 hours per week)

in the ERC-funded project FOUNT, “The Narrative Foundations of Tibetan Buddhist Culture” (ERC-2025-StG-101222259). The position is scheduled to start on April 1st, 2027, or soon thereafter, and is initially offered for 1 year, with the possibility of an extension until March 31st, 2030.

The successful candidate will contribute to the project by conducting research on the development of the Tibetan Buddhist cult of the bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara during the first half of the 2nd millennium CE. This research should include consideration of, yet need certainly not be limited to, doctrinal materials contained in the text collection Ma ṇi bka’ ’bum.

 

Your Tasks

• Publishing your findings in the form of a monograph and articles
• Engaging in discussions and/or reading sessions with project colleagues working on related historiographical texts (similarly centered on Avalokiteśvara)
• Presenting research results at workshops and international conferences
• Actively participating in the organization of academic events and joint publications

Your Profile

• Completed doctoral degree in a relevant field
• Very good knowledge of Classical Tibetan; very good command of English, both spoken and written; knowledge of German is desirable
• Familiarity with historical and philological methods
• A collaborative mindset, personable and down-to-earth personality, strong communication skills, creativity, flexibility
• Good general computer skills and, ideally, familiarity with IT applications and solutions relevant to text-based research

Our Offer

• A full-time position at 100% for a period of three years (starting Apr. 1st, 2027 or soon thereafter). As noted above, the position is initially offered for 1 year, with the possibility of an extension until March 31st, 2030
• A minimum annual gross salary of EUR 70.167,44  (full-time based), in accordance with the collective agreement of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW). For part-time employment, the salary will be adjusted on a pro rata basis in line with the agreed working hours
• Attractive working conditions at the IKGA, a renowned research institution, as part of the international team of the FOUNT project

 

The successful applicant is expected to take up residence in (or near) Vienna, a city consistently rated among the world's best in quality-of-life rankings. Questions regarding the position can be addressed to the principal investigator, Reinier Langelaar (reinier.langelaar@oeaw.ac.at).

Application materials should include 1) a cover letter explaining your research interests and motivation for applying, 2) a CV, 3) a list of publications, 4) an outline of planned research (2–3 pages), and 5) a copy of transcripts and degrees. Finally, 6) candidates should also arrange for two reference letters to be submitted to Hermine Huber (hermine.huber@oeaw.ac.at). The use of AI-generated text is not allowed. Applications received before Nov. 25th will be assured full consideration.

The Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) pursues a non-discriminatory employment policy and values equal opportunities, as well as diversity. Individuals from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.