The University of Vienna is a community of over 10,000 individuals, including approximately 7,500 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/an

University assistant predoctoral 

53 Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy  

Job vacancy starting: 10/15/2025  | Working hours:  30,00  | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) 

Limited contract until: 

Job ID: 4161

The Department of Geography and Regional Research is the oldest and largest geographical institute in Austria. It is home to more than 90 researchers in 10 working groups and 3,600 students. The geographical research and teaching at the Department encompasses both social and natural sciences. This interdisciplinary basis provides a dynamic and inspiring environment for researchers working on the major societal challenges of our time.

Your personal sphere of influence:

As university assistant and doctoral student, you work in the Population, Environment, and Development working group led by Patrick Sakdapolrak, which consists of international researchers with a diverse but complementary set of backgrounds. Our research group conducts research on the nexus of migration and global change. It aims to advance academic knowledge and debates on the (im)mobility of populations in the context of environmental change and social transformation processes and to conduct research with societal relevance. Our research group is excellently embedded in the international network of researchers and practitioners, and we strive to contribute to the advancement of the field with cutting-edge research. As doctoral student, you will contribute to addressing the nexus climate mobilities and future making, advancing the conceptual development, developing methodological approaches, and applying the concept in concrete empirical contexts. It is particularly important to us that every employee is highly motivated, enjoys being part of a team, and is open to challenges.

Your future tasks:

You actively participate in research, teaching & administration, which means:

• While your primary task will be in research, your work will also include teaching and administrative tasks.
• Development and completion of a dissertation on climate mobilities and future making.
• Willingness to conduct fieldwork in challenging settings in the Global South.
• Participation in the preparation of research proposals and acquisition of third-party funding.
• Participation in scientific studies, publication projects, and presentations.
• Integration into the research group and contribution to research group activities, e.g., the ECM Network and the Climate Mobilities Knowledge Hub.
• Planning and implementation of teaching courses, supervision of students, and holding classes in accordance with wage agreement regulations.
• You will be part of the VISESS Doctoral School and we expect you to complete your dissertation agreement within 12-18 months.

This is part of your personality:

• Master's / Diploma degree in Geography or a related and relevant discipline.
• A background in population geography, migration research, development studies, or human-environment research is an asset.
• Very good knowledge of quantitative and/or qualitative social science research methods.
• Empirical research experience, particularly with fieldwork in the Global South, is an asset.
• Strong team skills and the ability to work in international teams.
• You are self-motivated, eager to grow, and capable of working independently.
• You are able to manage project work, for example, writing documentation, delivering project results on time, and presenting them to others.
• Good English language skills are required.
• You are looking forward to new tasks and are willing to participate actively in scientific discourse.

What we offer:

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours and can partially work from home (within Austria / upon agreement). 

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

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

Internal further training & Coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.

Fair salary: The salary of EUR 3.714,80 (on a full time basis) increases if we can credit professional experience. See also salary schemes / Gross-net calculator (available only in German)

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

Employment duration: The position is advertised for a period of 4 years, with the employment relationship initially limited to 1.5 years and automatically extended to a total of 4 years unless the employer issues a non-extension declaration within 12 months.

It is that easy to apply:

• Letter of motivation
• Scientific curriculum vitae
• Two-page concept note outlining ideas for the doctoral project on the nexus climate mobilities and future making (Include the following headings: Problem context, Conceptual approach, Objectives and research questions, Methodological approach, References)
• Degree certificates
• Via our  job portal/ Apply now -  button

If you have any questions, please contact:

Patrick Sakdapolrak  

patrick.sakdapolrak@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 lay special emphasis on increasing the number of women in senior and in academic positions among the academic and general university staff and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.

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​Application deadline: 09/22/2025