The Department of Byzantine Research of the Institute for Medieval Research (IMAFO) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW), Austria’s leading non-university research and science institution, is seeking to fill a
POSTDOC (F/M/X) POSITION
(full time / 40 hours per week)
within the framework of the Cluster of Excellence (COE) “EurAsian Transformations – Resources of the Past and Challenges of Diversity”, funded by the Austrian Science Fund FWF for the period of 2023-2028.
The Cluster (http://www.oeaw.ac.at/eurasian-transformations/home) involves more than 30 researchers from four academic institutions (Austrian Academy of Sciences, University of Vienna, Central European University, University of Innsbruck). We explore major questions in current research – diversity, mobility, identity – in historical perspective using original-language sources, and analyse cultural and religious, economic and political connections comparatively. We strive for a fruitful interdisciplinary dialogue and seek cooperation with the regions involved in order to create new academic infrastructures in Austria and internationally, and to promote plurilateral research perspectives. EurAsia explores the transformation processes of Eurasia – understood as the landmass of both continents, Europe and Asia – from antiquity to the present.
The position is defined for a research focus Mobility and Migration in and out of Byzantium: the Outside Perspective. Given its geographic location at the intersection of three continents, the East Roman Empire of the Middle Ages engaged in political, cultural and religious interactions with its immediate neighbours as well as with regions further afield. Building on a growing body of research about mobility and migration as depicted in the medieval Greek sources, more work needs to be done on the movement of individuals and groups in and out of the Empire as reported in non-Greek sources. This research project will gather relevant sources from at least two linguistic perspectives and analyse, using a comparative approach, their perspectives on demographic, cultural, and political interaction with Byzantium
Your Tasks
- Active participation in Node 2 of the Cluster of Excellence on ‘Communication and Mobility’, with cluster 1 ‘Multilinguality and its Social Contexts’
- Engaging in interdisciplinary collaboration and dialogue within the COE
- Conducting independent research
- International publications and presentations of project results
- Commitment to the goals of the Cluster and to the integration of its members as well as participation in training and transfer/outreach activities
- Active participation in the scientific and organizational activities of the Institute of Medieval Studies of the Austrian Academy of Sciences
Your Profile
- Doctorate/PhD in Byzantine studies or a related discipline
- Very good knowledge of medieval Greek and at least two other medieval languages
- Reading proficiency in at least two modern languages of scholarship
- Record of international publications and lectures (corresponding to academic age); international network
- Field-relevant IT skills
- Flexibility, strong communication skills, creativity, ability to work in a team
- Openness for interdisciplinary collaboration and dialogue, preferably with a proven track-record
Our Offer
- The position is awarded for a period of seven months from1. March to 30 September 2026.
- Theannual gross salaryis currently calculated at€ 69.028,40.
- Additional funding for conferences and research travel as well as for the organization of academic events is available.
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.
