The University of Vienna is a community of almost 11,000 individuals, including approximately 7,700 academic staff members, who passionately pursue answers to the profound questions that shape our future. They represent individuals driven by curiosity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With us, they find the space to try things out and unfold their potential. Are you inspired by their passion and determination? We are currently seeking a

University assistant (pre-doc) in the working group Knowledge and Culture 

49 Faculty of Social Sciences  

Job vacancy starting: 02/15/2026 | Working hours:  30,00  | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) 

Limited contract until: 02/14/2029

Job ID: 5027

We are looking for a PhD student to join the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, to work in the working group Knowledge and Culture led by Prof. Michaela Pfadenhauer. Your tasks will include developing and carrying out your dissertation project, contributing to the acquisition of project grants by writing project proposals, teaching, and actively participating in department activities.

Your personal sphere of influence:

As a hired university assistant pre-doc, you will contribute to the research team around Prof. Michaela Pfadenhauer in the working group Knowledge and Culture. This working group adopts research perspectives grounded in sociology of knowledge, symbolic interactionism and the theory of communicative constructivism. The phenomena we research are as diverse and complex as the socially constructed realities within which they occur or by which they are generated. Our interpretive social research focuses on the precise analysis of three themes: first, communicative forms of action, second, sociality and collectivization, and, third, climate cultures intertwined with (e.g. cli-fi) literature and/or discourses on sustainability. Your dissertation project should be embedded in one of these three themes.

Our team currently consists of one post-doc, two pre-docs, one student assistant and one administrative assistant. We value open, respectful communication, and a collaborative team spirit which puts academic co-writing center-stage.

The position is advertised to the extent of 30 hours/week (75%) for a period of three years, with the possibility of extension to a total maximum of four years. The anticipated start date is in February 2026.

Your future tasks:

As a hired pre-doc, you will work on your PhD dissertation, participate in research activities of the group and the department and contribute to the acquisition of third-party funds and teaching. You will:

• Design and carry out your PhD research (dissertation agreement to be finalised within 12 months);
• Contribute to writing project proposals for the acquisition of third-party funds and research grants;
• Collaborate with colleagues and participate in department seminars and research activities;
• Present your research at national and international conferences, meetings, and symposia;
• Teach courses independently within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement;
• Contribute to the organisation of department activities and processes.

This is part of your personality:

• You have a university degree (Master or equivalent) in Sociology;
• You have outstanding knowledge of the sociology of knowledge approach, interpretive paradigm, and theories of interaction(ism) and communicative construction of reality;
• You can demonstrate the ability to successfully plan, conduct, and write up research;
• You are motivated to contribute to innovative interdisciplinary teaching;
• You have excellent proficiency in English (C1 level), and excellent proficiency in German (C1 level);
• You have excellent organisational skills and the capacity to make long-term plans;
• You are interested in teamwork and collective research activities.

What we offer:

Duration of contract: The employment duration is 3 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 3 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a non-extension declaration. With appropriate work progress, an extension to a total maximum of 4 years is possible.

Fair salary: The basic monthly gross salary for this position currently (2025) is EUR 3.714,80 (full time) and will be paid 14 times a year for the duration of the contract. The basic salary increases if we can credit prior professional experience.

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team in a lively working environment.

Internal further training & Coaching: Mentorship and a commitment to supportive supervision that helps you realise your research; support and training through participation in the Vienna Doctoral School of Social Sciences as well as opportunities for internal training and coaching for the enhancement of personal skills on an ongoing basis. 

Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every new personality to the team!

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours and can partially work remotely (within Austria). 

Good public transport connections: Your workplace is easily accessible by public transport.

It is that easy to apply:

• With your scientific curriculum vitae;
• Letter of motivation specifying your capacities in the above-mentioned areas of work;
• A 3-5 page outline of your proposed PhD project in Sociology on a topic relating to the working group with an empirical research design;
• Transcripts of prior academic studies;
• Names and contact details of two referees;
• Via our job portal (Apply now button).

If you have any questions, please contact:

Michaela Pfadenhauer  

michaela.pfadenhauer@univie.ac.at

We look forward to new personalities in our team! 
The University of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance to equal opportunities, the advancement of women and diversity. We place particular emphasis on enhancing women’s representation among the academic and general university staff, particularly in leadership roles, and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.

University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.

Data protection
​Application deadline: 01/09/2026