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

University assistant predoctoral at the Department of Political Science 

49 Faculty of Social Sciences  

Job vacancy starting: 05/01/2026 | Working hours:  30,00  | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) 

Limited contract until: 04/30/2030

Job ID: 4881

The announcement is made for four years, whereby the employment relationship is initially limited to 1.5 years and is automatically extended to a total of four years, unless the employer submits a declaration of non-renewal after a maximum of 12 months.

Your personal sphere of influence:

Your future place is at the Department of Political Science in the research area of Political Theory.

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.

In the research area of Political Theory, we aim to represent the spectrum of political theory in both research and teaching. Our particular focus is on (radical) democractic theories as well as approaches of hegemony theory, poststructuralism, and critical theory. Another important area of work is the history of political ideas, ideologies, and concepts. We view political theory as a dynamic field of debates that sharpens our understanding of social and political challenges. 

As a University assistant predoctoral, you will complement the research team in the area of Political Theory. The team currently consists of eight postdocs, praedocs, and administrative colleagues.

Your future tasks:

You actively participate in research, teaching & administration in the research area of Political Theory (Univ.-Prof. Dr. Oliver Marchart), which means:

• Participation in research projects
• Contribution to publications / scientific articles / presentations  
• Participation in the development of a media platform for political theory
• Participation in organizing workshops, conferences, and symposia
• Project applications and acquisition of third-party funding
• We expect you to finalize your dissertation agreement within 12–18 months  
• You hold courses independently within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement
• Supervision of students
• You take on administrative tasks in the department, teaching, and research administration  

This is part of your personality:

• Completed Master's degree or Diploma in the field of Political Science or a related field with a focus on political theory
• Strong expertise in the history of political ideas and contemporary political theory, with an emphasis on approaches of critical thought and radical democracy  
• Didactic competences
• IT user skills
• Excellent command of English and German (C1 Level)
• You are a team player with high social/communicative skills
• Desirable qualifications:
  • Teaching experience / experience 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.

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

It is that easy to apply:

• Letter of motivation
• Scientific curriculum vitae / list of publications
• Evidence of teaching experience (if available)
• Exposé for a doctoral project (approx. 5-10 pages)
• One academic writing sample (e.g., publication, term paper, chapter of master thesis)
• Contact details of two referees
• Degree certificates / proof of completed Master's studies/Diploma
• Via our  job portal / Apply now -  button

If you have any questions, please contact:

Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr. Oliver Marchart 

oliver.marchart@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.

Data protection
​Application deadline: 01/30/2026