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/an

University assistant predoctoral 

53 Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy  

Job vacancy starting: 04/01/2026 | Working hours:  30,00  | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) 

Limited contract until: 

Job ID: 5042

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 professional field of activity:

The selected candidate will be part of the 'Evolutionary Morphology Research Group' (EvoMorRG; Chair Palaeobiology with Special Emphasis on Vertebrate Palaeontology). The 'Evolutionary Morphology Research Group' at the Department of Palaeontology is an interdisciplinary research team working at the interface between palaeobiology and evolutionary developmental biology of vertebrates for better understanding the evolutionary history of vertebrates (see also www.evomorg.org).

The members of the 'EvoMoRG' are dedicated to the scientific research of vertebrates of past geological periods and today, and their evolutionary and developmental history through time. Our team currently consists of the head of 'EvoMoRG', a lab manager, three postdocs, five Doctoral, 13 Master, and five Bachelor students.

As a university assistant predoctoral (Doctoral student), you conduct a research project that complements research in our group and that ultimately will lead to a PhD degree. The primary objective of our research is to increase our understanding of the development and evolution of morphological traits of gnathostomes within a phylogenetic context.

As scientists and individuals, we believe that diversity and inclusion are integral parts of our science and society in general, regardless of age, culture, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, national origin, physical or mental difference, politics, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or subculture. We therefore promote diversity in all areas of our activities and reject strongly and proactively prejudice and stereotyping wherever we encounter it in our profession. For us, empathy, compassion, respect, decency, and humanity are guiding principles.

Your future tasks:

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

• You are involved in projects and scientific studies in the research areas of the 'EvoMorRG'.
• We expect you to finalize your dissertation agreement within 12-18 months.
• You work on your cumulative dissertation and its completion within three years.
• You are assisting in laboratory organization and maintenance, especially of our aquarium infrastructure, where we keep various cartilaginous and bony fishes.
• You hold courses independently within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
• You take on administrative tasks in research and teaching.
• You are willing to engage in international and (depending on the project) interdisciplinary or applied research.
• You are willing to attend national and international conferences to present your research results, and workshops to gain additional scoial and professional skills.

This is part of your personality:

• Diploma or master degree in organismal Biology or Geology/Palaeontology completed; certificate / degree provided in due time before the start of the contract.
• Good knowledge in the areas of zoology, vertebrate paleobiology and evolution.
• Mandatory are analytical skills in phylogenetic methods, R Cran, and geometric morphometrics.
• Desirable but not strictly required are knowledge and application of Amira and/or Drishti software packages for reconstructing CT data.
• Basic knowledge about machine learning is of advantage.
• Very good English skills.
• High motivation to strive for scientific excellence and to publish research results of high quality.
• You are a team player with high social and communicative competence.
• You are able to work independently.
• You have at least basic experience in academic writing.
• You are keen to participate in conferences and research trips.

What we offer:

Working environment: You will be part of a dynamic and interdisciplinary, international team with excellent research infrastructure in a relaxed working environment. We are cooperative and team oriented.

Supervision: You will receive intensive academic and personal mentoring by the members of the team to guarantee the successful completion of your doctoral project.

Work-life balance: Balancing work and private life or work and studies is particularly important to us. You therefore can arrange your working hours to be flexible and family-friendly within the framework of the currently applicable university agreements, and you can also work from home within Austria part of the time upon agreement.

Benefits: The University of Vienna offers numerous benefits such as a company pension fund, travel allowances, affordable parking, special rates for language courses at the university language center, women's advancement, diversity management and specific career advancement, inclusion, parental leave, flexible childcare, holiday childcare, health care, vaccination campaigns, and fitness offers (special rates for USI sports courses), as well as discounts and rebates for employees at various companies.

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

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

Fixed-term contract and adequate salary: The employment duration is 3 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationships is automatically extended to 3 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a non-extension letter. The basic salary corresponds to the collective agreement for employees of the universities according to § 48 VwGr. B1 basic level (praedoc): EUR 3.776,10 on a full-time basis (14x per year).

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

It is that easy to apply:

• with a letter of motivation

• with a three-page exposé for a planned research project, ultimately leading to a PhD

• with an updated CV

• with a letter of recommendation and name and contact information (e-mail + telephone) of at least one additional referee

• Via our  job portal or 'Apply now' -  button

Please provide all application documents exclusively in English.

Applicants will not be entitled to any refund of expanses incurred because of the applicant process.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Jürgen Kriwet  

juergen.kriwet@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.

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​Application deadline: 03/10/2026