Jobs bei

Jobs bei


The Institute for Social Anthropology (ISA) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW), Austria’s leading non-university research and science institution, is offering a position as

 

Postdoc (f/m/x) in Climate/Environmental Anthropology

(part-time 40% or 20%, 16 hours per week or 8 hours per week)

 

for a duration of 12 months, starting 1 February 2027 until 31 January 2028. We invite applications for 

- either one 40% employment (16 hours per week) postdoc researcher position for a researcher speaking/writing French and Italian

- or two 20% employment (8 h hours per week) postdoc researcher positions, speaking/writing French or Italian respectively

within the ERC-funded project ‘Climate and contemporary transformations of vernacular architecture,’ led by Docent Dr.Dr. Hubert Feiglstorfer. The project explores the impact of climate on transformations of vernacular architecture in Alpine and Himalayan regions. The postdoc will be carrying out research on climate and climate change in selected regions, settlements and houses in the Alpine and Himalayan Region.

Subject to need and the researcher’s consent, the extent of the employment may be increased.

Your Tasks

  • Coding of interview transcriptions and translating into English. The transcripts are primarily in French or Italian.
  • As required, additional interviews will be conducted in Europe, mainly in the Alpine region, followed by transcription, coding, analysis and interpretation.
  • Contextualising coding results, analyses and interpretations between European and Asian regions.
  • Contextualising the ethnographic outcome with interdisciplinary research findings available within the project.
  • Supporting the team in developing a profile of vernacular architecture, therefore collaborating with other disciplines involved in the project from the fields of engineering and natural sciences.


 Whilst there is flexibility to develop the details of the research project and specific theoretical approaches independently, candidates should be aware that they will be working in a group project, led by a Principal Investigator (PI) within a pre-defined research framework. This means they will have to contribute collaboratively to the project’s core research questions and objectives.

Your Profile - Essential qualifications and criteria:

  • Fluent language skills in English and German, favourably French and/or Italian.
  • A PhD in Anthropology, Architecture or Human Geography (or a closely related discipline)
  • Previous research in Europe/Alpine regions, as well as in-depth knowledge of the history and politics of Alpine regionso             in climate/environmental anthropologyo             of social dynamics in settlement and housing processes
  • Familiarity with the anthropological literature on climate and environmental changes.
  • Ability to work independently, including conducting fieldwork, data analysis and writing, plus develop original lines of inquiry.
  • Willingness to conduct collaborative fieldwork and writing with the PI and the research team.
  • Show awareness of ethical considerations in fieldwork.
  • Understand issues related to personal and participant security during fieldwork.
  • Be prepared to join an existing research project and actively contribute to its central aims and collaborative inquiries.
  • Be prepared to reside in Austria for the duration of the position (excluding fieldwork) and actively participate in project events.
  • Support the project team in applying for a European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST, https://www.cost.eu/) with the option to participate in the network developed.
  • Publication work, particularly submitting an article in the ERC-project monography in 2028 and scientific articles in renowned International journals, as single author or as co-author with a project team member.

Our Offer

  • Employment at a leading research institution in Austria with an international and interdisciplinary working environment.
  • Funding for fieldwork, collaboration and attending conferences.
  • A research-only position with no teaching obligations.
  • Numerous voluntary social benefits for employees


The minimum annual gross salary for this position is 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.

 

Please submit your application as a single PDF file (max. 5 MB) via the online portal (see link below) uploaded under "CV" field by 30 November 2026. Your application must include: 

(1) Cover Letter (one page max)

(2) Academic CV 

(4) Scanned copies of all academic diplomas obtained in higher education

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.