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

Praedoc (DISS) (f/m/x)

(part-time / 30h per week) 

in the Research Group Demography of Austria, headed by Isabella Buber-Ennser, for a period of 4 years. The starting date is 1 April, 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

We are looking for an outstanding doctoral researcher to join the project “Spatio-temporal modelling of family change” (SPATEMO; funded by FWF), a French-Austrian collaboration between the VID and IDEES (CNRS). Using a spatio-temporal, empirical and spatial modelling approach, this project integrates Austria into an ongoing process of an international comparison of the spatial dynamics of contemporary family changes since the 1960s. The doctoral researcher will collect available data, analyse the geographical spread of family changes in Austria and the underlying factors.

Your Tasks

The successful candidate will carry out research for her/his dissertation project and thus make a visible contribution to the research output of the institute. The person will publish in high-ranking refereed journals and will also present her/his works and results internationally at conferences. In all these contexts, the PhD student will be actively supported by the supervisors and the institute management. 

Your Profile

We expect the applicant to have:

• a completed Master in Demography, Geography, Social Sciences, or other relevant fields
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in German and English
• Excellent quantitative and analytical skills, excellent programming skills in R or similar packages
• Ability to work independently and to collaborate with a broader research team
• Solid knowledge of demographic methods
• Experience with demographic data

Our Offer

• 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: Enjoy 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
• Possibility to work independently
• Opportunity to gain a profile as an independent scientist
• Equal opportunities

For this position we offer an annual gross salary of € 39.208,80, according to the collective agreement of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. 

Please upload with your application:

• a detailed CV,
• a letter of motivation for joining the research group and how you meet the criteria set above,
• copies of your degree certificates and academic transcripts (copies) of previously completed university degree programmes (BA, MA/MSc), and
• a list of publications or a link to an online list of publications (if available)

Application Deadline is 28 February 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.