Praedoc (Diss) (f/m/x)

The Vienna Institute of Demography of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW), Austria’s leading non-university research and science institution, together with the University of Vienna, is offering a

Praedoc (Diss) (f/m/x)

(part-time / 30h per week)

within the “Psychology of Fertility Behaviour” project, funded through an FWF MERIT Award, and affiliated with the Research Group on Fertility and Population Change, headed by Tomas Sobotka, for a period of 3 years. The position is embedded in the group, but forms part of an independent research project led by the project's Principal Investigator Dr. Kateryna Golovina.

We are looking for an outstanding PhD candidate to join this research project. The project investigates the psychology of fertility behaviour among young adults, with a particular focus on how fertility intentions develop and change during early adulthood. It is carried out within the Research Group on Fertility and Population Change, which investigates trends, determinants and differentials in fertility globally, focusing especially on low-fertility settings.

Your future position is at the VID, which is a member of the Wittgenstein Centre for Demography and Global Human Capital (IIASA/POPJUS, OeAW/VID, Univ. Vienna/DoD), and you will be enrolled in the University of Vienna. You will join a dynamic research environment with scientists working on a diverse array of social science research.

Supervisors:

•        Dr. Kateryna Golovina, Vienna Institute of Demography

•        Prof. Eva Beaujouan, University of Vienna

Your Tasks

The successful candidate will work under the guidance of the supervisors on the following topics:

• Uncertainty in fertility intentions during early adulthood (ages 15–35): prevalence, determinants, and consequences
• Individual dynamics of fertility intentions over the life course, including the role of mental health, future uncertainty, and psychological well-being

In addition, the researcher may be asked to contribute to the following activities:

• Supporting the wider work of the Research Group on Fertility and Population Change where relevant to the PhD project

The project will primarily use longitudinal survey data and advanced quantitative methods (e.g., panel models, fixed-effects models). Applicants are encouraged to develop their own ideas within the broad research themes of the project.

Your Profile

• A Master's degree (or be close to completion) in Demography, Sociology, Social Psychology, Population Studies, or another relevant field
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Strong quantitative research skills and experience with R or Stata, or a similar package
• Ability to work independently and to collaborate with a broader research team
• An interest in fertility, family demography, life-course research, or the psychological aspects of demographic behaviour
• Experience with longitudinal data is an advantage but is not required

Our Offer

• A fully funded, three-year PhD position, with enrolment in the University of Vienna doctoral programme
• Supervision by internationally recognised researchers, and affiliation with the Vienna Institute of Demography
• Inspiring working atmosphere: join an international and interdisciplinary academic team
• Employment in one of the major centres of demographic research in Europe
• Interesting and globally relevant field of research
• Work-life balance: flexible working hours (up to 40% home office upon agreement)
• Excellent public transport connections: your workplace in downtown Vienna, one of the most liveable cities globally, is easily accessible by public transport and bike
• Opportunities for international collaboration, conferences, and publishing
• Equal opportunities

The minimum annual gross salary for this position is EUR 53.140,92 (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.

Start of employment is on 1 December 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Please upload with your application

• a detailed CV,
• copies of your Master's transcript and degree certificate (and, if applicable, other previously completed university degree programmes),
• a motivation letter for joining the project and how you meet the criteria set above (maximum 1,5 page),
• outline your research ideas around the topic of your PhD research (maximum 1 page), and
• a list of publications (if available)

until September 30, 2026. 

Job interviews will take place either physically or via video call.

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.