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. Fueled by curiosity and a deep sense of duty, they contribute invaluable insights to research and teaching, enriching our society. Are you inspired and driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact? We are currently seeking a/an

University assistant predoctoral at the Department of Political Science 

49 Faculty of Social Sciences  

Job vacancy starting: 03/02/2026 | Working hours:  30,00  | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) 

Limited contract until: 06/22/2026

Job ID: 4907

This position is a maternity leave replacement, and it is vacant for the period of absence of the member of staff. From 23 June 2026 onwards, there will be the possibility of a temporary extension of the contract to the extent and for the duration of the position holder’s absence, with the weekly working hours of 30 hours being reduced by a few hours from that point onward.

Your personal sphere of influence:

Your future position is at the Department of Political Science in the research area of Comparative Policy Analysis. 

The Department of Political Science, a subunit of the Faculty of Social Sciences, addresses all major fields of political science. It is dedicated to innovative and problem-oriented research and provides students with a wide range of specialisations. Members of the Department study the transformation of governance, statehood and democracy across different policy areas, geographical regions and political areas.

You will join the Centre for the Study of Contemporary Solidarity (CeSCoS), led by Professor Barbara Prainsack. This research group investigates how solidarity shapes social justice, institutional design, and policy interventions across a range of domains, using rigorous qualitative and theoretically grounded approaches. The Centre brings together pre- and post-doctoral researchers and fellows from diverse disciplinary backgrounds. You would be welcome to bring and pursue your own research interests within the team.

Your future tasks:

Participation in research, teaching and administration in the field of comparative policy analysis and qualitative methods as well as in the research group CeSCoS (Centre for the Study of Contemporary Solidarity, led by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Barbara Prainsack).

This involves, in particular, the participation in the organisation of events, seminars, and other formats of academic collaboration and exchange:

• Support with research projects and grant applications
• Participation in publications / academic articles / presentations
• Doctoral students who are already enrolled in a programme and have not yet received approval of their research proposal may use the employment period for this purpose
• Teaching courses independently according to the collective bargaining agreement
• Supervision of students
• Participation in the organisation of meetings, conferences, symposia
• Participation in the department administration as well as in teaching and research administration 

This is part of your personality:

• Master's (or equivalent) degree in the field of political science or a similar discipline relevant to comparative policy analysis
• Willingness to align an existing or emerging doctoral research project with a focus on practices of solidarity
• Good knowledge of qualitative methods and basic knowledge of quantitative methods
• Excellent command of English as a working language, other languages are an advantage
• IT user skills
• Ability to work in a team
• Further desirable qualifications are:
  • Familiarity with scholarship on solidarity
  • Experience of working with e-learning
  • Knowledge of university processes and structures
  • International experience
  • Basic experience in academic research

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.

It is that easy to apply:

• Letter of motivation (in English)
• Scientific curriculum vitae, including a list of publications (in German or English)
• Short doctoral project proposal (3-4 pages, in German or English)
• Contact details of two referees who can be contacted for a reference in writing or by phone
• Certificates
• Via our job portal / Apply now - button

If you have any questions, please contact:

Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr. Barbara Prainsack

barbara.prainsack@univie.ac.at

We look forward to new colleagues 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.

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​Application deadline: 12/17/2025