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: 10/01/2025 (MM-DD-YYYY) | Working hours:  30.00  | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) 

Limited contract until: 09/30/2028

Job ID: 4151

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 Law and Religious Law. We are looking for a candidate with academic ambitions who is prepared to conduct independent research in the field of Austrian or European religious law and/or canon law as part of a dissertation project. The topic of such a research project should preferably be in the field of coordination between state and religious law, the theory of Canon law, fundamental rights, or property law. Other topics are not excluded. The Institute for Canon Law and Religious Law conducts research applying 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 institutionalized 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, two project assistants, and one administrative colleague, offers you the opportunity to conduct research and teach in an internationally networked team while developing your own academic profile.

The contract is for a period of three years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship will be automatically extended to three years if the employer does not issue a non-renewal statement within the first 12 months. Depending on the progress of the work, an extension to a maximum of four years is possible.

Your future tasks:

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

• You will be involved in the design and implementation of research projects and scientific studies in the field of religious law and/or canon law.
• We expect you to complete your dissertation agreement within 12 months.
• If you are pursuing a doctorate in law, the project must be presented to the Faculty of Law and you must have a corresponding supervision agreement.
• You will work on your dissertation and its completion.
• You will participate in the design, preparation, and implementation of publications/scientific articles.
• You will assist in the organization of conferences, symposia, and other events.
• You will independently teach courses in accordance with the provisions of the collective agreement.
• You will support the chair in the design and implementation of teaching activities.
• You will perform administrative tasks in research and teaching.

This is part of your personality:

• Master's degree or diploma in law or Catholic theology, preferably with a focus on the above-mentioned areas.
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Very good written and spoken English
• German language skills at least at C1 level
• Knowledge of Spanish and Italian is preferred
• IT user skills (especially MS Office)
• Familiarity with the possible applications of text-generating programs and other AI systems.
• Ability to work in a team and team experience
• Knowledge in the academic field of canon law or the relationship between state, society, and religious communities
• Knowledge of Spanish and/or Italian
• Initial experience in academic work
• Experience abroad
• Teaching experience and experience in participating in research projects
• Knowledge of university procedures and structures

What we offer:

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: 06/30/2025