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

PRAEDOC DISS Position (F/M/X)

 in social anthropology with a focus on Timor-Leste

 (30 hours per week)

for a duration of 48 months, starting 1 September 2025.

Your Tasks

We invite applications for one praedoc researcher position within the ERC-funded project ‘Resource spirits: An interactionist approach to animism and extractivism in Southeast Asia’, led by Prof. Dr. Judith Bovensiepen. The project explores the impacts of resource extraction on animist populations in Indonesia, Malaysia, Timor-Leste and the Philippines, examining the interaction between animism and mining in Southeast Asia. The praedoc will be carrying out research on the impact of the Tasi Mane project along the south coast of Timor-Leste. 

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

• Fluent language skills in English, Indonesian, Portuguese, Tetun Praça and Tetun Therik.
• Previous research experience in Timor-Leste, as well as in-depth knowledge of the history and politics of Timor-Leste.
• Familiarity with the anthropological literature on resource extraction, political ecology and feminist approaches to labour and dispossession.
• 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 on extractive industries.
• 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.
• A previous degree in Development Studies is desirable.
• Be prepared to reside in Austria for the duration of the position (excluding fieldwork) and actively participate in project events.

Our Offer

• Membership in ISA’s Environmental Anthropology working group.
• Generous funding for fieldwork, collaboration and attending conferences.
• An annual gross salary of € 39.208,82 according to the collective agreement of the ÖAW

Please apply online including 1. Cover Letter (one page max) and 2. Academic CV in a single PDF file no later than 29 May 2025.
 

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.