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) at the Department of Political Science 

49 Faculty of Social Sciences  

Job vacancy starting: 05/15/2026 | Working hours:  30,00  | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) 

Limited contract until: 05/14/2030

Job ID: 5158

There are many good reasons to want to research and teach at the University of Vienna. And one reason why around 7,500 academic staff have chosen this university before you. They see themselves as personalities who need scope for continuous ambition, top international research and academic excellence. And at the same time enjoy freedoms and services that cannot be taken for granted at other institutions. If that's what you want: Welcome to our team!

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 International Politics.

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.

The research area of International Politics offers you exciting research projects, collegial and interdisciplinary cooperation and exchange with a young and interested generation of students. Our research focuses on current geopolitical changes, international environmental, raw materials and climate policies, as well as politics and development models in Latin America. They are partly oriented towards the term “Imperial Mode of Living” and the research approach to "Historical-Materialist Policy Analysis” (HMPA). 

Your future tasks:

You actively participate in research, teaching & administration in the research area of International Politics (Univ.­-Prof. Dr. Ulrich Brand), which means: 

• Participation in research projects and grant applications
• Participation in publications / academic articles / presentations
• Participation in organising workshops, conferences, symposia
• We expect you to finalise your dissertation agreement within 12-18 months
• Participation in and independent teaching of courses 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:

• University Degree (Master, Diploma) in the study field Political Science or a similar discipline with a political science or related studies profile
• Professional competences in the field of International Relations and critical International Political Economy. Knowledge of (Global) Political Ecology is also desirable
• Interest in political education and its didactics, particularly in relation to geopolitics and the Imperial Mode of Living
• Methodological competence
• High ability to express yourself both orally and in writing
• Excellent command of written and spoken German and English, Spanish skills are advantageous
• IT user skills
• Ability to work in a team

Desirable qualifications are:

• Teaching experience / experience of working with e-learning
• Knowledge of university processes and structures
• Basic experience in academic research

What we offer:

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours and can partially work remotely.

Fair salary: The basic salary for this position is EUR 3,776,10 (on a full-time basis), which increases if we can credit professional experience.

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international team with excellent research infrastructure in a healthy and fair working environment.

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

Internal further training and coaching: We offer you the opportunity to develop your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.

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

It is that easy to apply:

• Letter of motivation (approx. 2 pages)
• Academic curriculum vitae / list of publications
• Evidence of teaching experience (if available)
• Short doctoral project proposal (approx. 2-3 pages)
• One academic writing sample (e.g., publication, term paper, chapter of master thesis)
• 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. Dr. Ulrich Brand

ulrich.brand@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: 02/27/2026