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 

45 Faculty of Philological and Cultural Studies  

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

Limited contract until: 03/31/2030

Job ID: 5289

What to expect in this position

The University of Vienna stands for excellent research, international networking, and the promotion of young academics. As a Praedoc university assistant, you will have the opportunity to develop your own dissertation project in the field of South Asian Studies while actively participating in research, teaching, and academic self-governance.

The advertised position is based at the Department for South Asian, Tibetan and Buddhist Studies and is embedded in a dynamic, internationally networked research environment which deals with religious, cultural, and social processes in South Asia. In addition to working on your own dissertation, you will be expected to participate in ongoing research projects and provide support in research and teaching.

Your personal scope

As a Praedoc university assistant, you will develop an independent dissertation project in the field of modern South Asian studies with a focus on contemporary religious practices, social dynamics, and issues of gender, ritual, and materiality. Projects that use ethnographic methods and examine religion in everyday and public contexts are particularly welcome.

In addition, you will be involved in the department's existing research activities, including the ERC Synergy Project MANTRAMS – Mantras in Religion, Media, and Society in Global Southern Asia, without your dissertation project necessarily being part of this project. Depending on requirements, you will support the team in individual research activities, events, or organizational tasks.

Our team in Vienna consists of postdocs, predocs, and administrative colleagues. We are characterized by close supervision of dissertation projects, collegial cooperation, international networking, and a strong interest in empirically based research.

Your specific tasks

You will actively participate in research, teaching, and administration, which means:

• You will develop and work on an independent dissertation project in the field of South Asian Studies and complete your dissertation agreement within 12–18 months.
• You will work continuously on your dissertation and its completion.
• You will participate in the department's research activities and support ongoing projects as needed.
• You will participate in selected activities related to the ERC project MANTRAMS (e.g., workshops, data preparation, organizational support).
• You will independently hold courses in accordance with the provisions of the collective agreement.
• You will take on administrative tasks in research and teaching. 

Your personality

Required Criteria:

• Completed master's or diploma degree in South Asian Studies, Religious Studies, Social Sciences, Cultural Studies, or a related discipline
• Demonstrable experience in academic work and writing
• Clear interest in a dissertation project in the field of modern South Asian Studies
• Knowledge of contemporary South Asian languages (preferably Hindi or Nepali)
• Very good skills in written and spoken German and English

Desirable/nice-to-have criteria:

• Experience with qualitative research or field research
• Interest in contemporary political and social developments, religious practices, materiality, or media in South Asia
• Some initial teaching experience in a university context

What we offer

Contract term: The contract term for employment is 4 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 4 years if the employer does not issue a non-renewal declaration within the first 12 months.

Work-life balance: Flexible working hours and the option to work remotely part of the time.

Inspiring working environment: An international research environment with excellent infrastructure and close supervision of the dissertation project.

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

Internal training and coaching: Access to a comprehensive range of training opportunities with over 600 workshops per year.

Fair salary: The basic salary is EUR 3,776.10 gross/month (based on full-time employment, collective agreement B1) and increases with relevant professional experience.

Equal opportunities for all: The University of Vienna promotes equal opportunities and diversity and welcomes applications from all qualified persons.

How to apply

• Academic CV
• Letter of motivation / letter of intent
• Brief description of your research interests or planned dissertation project
• Proof of completion of a master's or diploma degree

If you have any questions, please contact:

Borayin Larios  

borayin.larios@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: 03/10/2026