The University of Vienna is a cosmopolitan hub for  more than 10,000 employees, of whom around 7,500 work in research and teaching. They want to do research and teach at a place that suits their ideas and work together towards answering the big questions of the future. You also appreciate the exchange between disciplines, cultures and generations? We are looking for a/an

University assistant predoctoral  

40 Faculty of Historical and Cultural Studies 

Job vacancy starting: 01-12-2025 (or as soon as possible)  | Working hours: 30,00  | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) 

Limited contract until: The position is limited to four years from the start of employment

Job ID: 4713

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:

As PhD student in a predoctoral position at the Department of Economic and Social History, you actively participate in research, teaching and administration in the field of economic and social history of the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period, as well as in one of the key research areas of the Faculty and its Doctoral School relevant to your dissertation project (i.e. “Economy and Society from a Historical-Cultural Perspective” or “Global History”). A connection to the Cluster of Excellence “Eurasian Transformations” is possible.

Your future tasks:

You will actively participate in research, teaching, and administration, which includes:
•    Independent teaching (within the scope set by the Collective Agreement) in the BA, Teacher Education, and MA programmes in History
•    Support for events in the field of medieval and early modern economic and social history, as well as university administrative tasks
•    Further academic qualification is an integral part of the position (doctoral dissertation, publications, participation in conferences, etc.)
•    We expect you to conclude your doctoral thesis agreement within 12 to 18 months.

This is part of your personality:

•    Successfully completed Master, Teacher Education or Diploma Study in History
•    Sound, demonstrable expertise in economic and social history (e.g., evidenced by a BA/MA thesis, publications, or relevant work experience)
•    A doctoral project in the field of the economic and social history of the Middle Ages and/or the Early Modern Period
•    Very good command of Latin and/or another premodern source language
•    Proficiency in German, excellent knowledge of English and, preferably, another foreign language
•    Strong theoretical and methodological awareness
•    Advanced IT skills and, ideally, experience with databases and digital analysis tools
•    Organisational skills and willingness to contribute to the field of medieval and early modern economic and social history; participation in the Excellence Cluster “Eurasian Transformations” is desirable
•    Ability and willingness to communicate research findings to the broader public
•    Strong communication and teamwork skills

What we offer:

Model 2:

The employment duration is 4 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 4 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a non-extension declaration.

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:

Please submit:
•    A cover letter including a 3–5 page concept for a doctoral project in medieval and/or early modern economic and social history
•    Academic CV
•    List of publications and evidence of teaching experience (if available)
•    Official proof of completion of a Master’s, Diploma, or Teacher Education degree in History

If you have any content questions, please contact:

Univ. Prof. Dr. Juliane Schiel (juliane.schiel@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: 31-10-2025