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 

30 Faculty of Catholic Theology  

Job vacancy starting: 10/15/2025 | Working hours:  30.00  | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) 

Limited contract until: 10/14/2028

Job ID: 4484

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where more than 7,500 academics thrive on curiosity in continuous exploration and help us better understand our world. Does this sound like you? Then join our accomplished team!

Your personal sphere of influence:

The advertised position is based at the Institute for Canon and Religious Law and serves to promote junior scientist in the field of canon law. We are looking for a candidate with academic ambitions who is prepared to conduct independent research in the field of canon law as part of a dissertation project. The topic of such a research project should preferably be in the field of the fundamentals of religious legal systems, canon organisational law, property law or concordat law.
The Institute for Canon  and Religious Law conducts research using legal and canonical methods. At the interface between law and theology, canon law reflects on all questions of the legally ordered governance of the world's largest institutionalised religious community from the perspective of justice. Balancing individual freedom and corporate religious practice requires a critical examination of canon law. As an interdisciplinary field, religious law covers issues of individual freedom of religion and belief as well as the entire spectrum of legally relevant aspects of religion and belief. The institute, currently consisting of one professor, two doctoral candidates and one administrative colleague, offers you the opportunity to research and teach in an internationally networked team while developing your own academic profile.

Your future tasks:

You will actively participate in the research and teaching programme of the Institute for Canon Law and Religious Law as well as take on administrative tasks. This includes:

• You will contribute to research projects and studies in the field of Catholic canon law and/or (state/international) religious law.
• We expect you to complete your dissertation agreement within 12-18 months.
• You will work on your dissertation and its completion.
• You will collaborate in the conception, creation and implementation of publications / academic articles.
• You will be involved in the organisation of meetings, conferences and symposia.
• You will support the chair holder in the conception and implementation of teaching.
• You will independently teach in accordance with the provisions of the collective agreement and supervise students.
• You will take on administrative tasks in research and teaching

This is part of your personality:

A completed diploma or master's degree in theology or law with a focus of interest or research in the above-mentioned areas is expected. The following skills are also expected

• High ability to express yourself both orally and in writing
• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• German language skills on at least C1 level
• IT user skills (MS-Office)
• Ability to work in a team

Desirable qualifications are

• Knowledge in the academic field of canonics or the relationship between state/society/religious communities.
• Knowledge of Spanish and/or Italian
• First experience working in an academic environment
• Experience abroad 
• Teaching experience and experience in participating in research projects
• Knowledge of university processes and structures

What we offer:

The contract term for employment is 3 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 3 years if the employer does not issue a non-renewal notice within the first 12 months.

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

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 basic salary of EUR 3,714,80 (on a full-time basis) increases if we can credit professional experience.

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

It is that easy to apply:

• With your scientific curriculum vitae / letter of intent
• With your summary of research interests / ideas for a prospective doctoral project proposal (max. X p.)
• Master Degree  /  Diploma
• Via our  job portal/ Apply now -  button

If you have any questions, please contact:

Andreas Kowatsch  

andreas.kowatsch@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.

University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.

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​Application deadline: 09/12/2025