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 (Evolutionary Anthropology)
50 Faculty of Life Sciences
Job vacancy starting: 01/05/2026 (MM-DD-YYYY) | Working hours: 30.00 | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)
Limited contract until:
Job ID: 4693
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!
The position
The Department of Evolutionary Anthropology is seeking applications for a PhD student in the field of archaeological science and radiocarbon dating, focusing specifically on the period of the Late Middle to early Upper Palaeolithic of Eurasia and its chronology and archaeology as part of the ERC Advanced grant “DISPERSE”. They will be part of a leading international team of researchers working across the fields of Human Evolution, Ancient DNA and Archaeological Science in general working in the Higham Laboratory, led by Professor Tom Higham (https://highamlab.univie.ac.at/).
DISPERSE (ERC Advanced grant: Higham)
The “Disperse” ERC project will explore the key steps in the movement of humans out of Africa and into Eurasia, where they encountered Neanderthals and other now extinct forms of human. It is thought that the modern day Levant was the location through which humans passed. The key Lebanese archaeological site of Ksar ‘Akil will be reopened for excavation and sampling to test the arrival of humans in the Levant, obtain sediment DNA, reconstruct the climatic record and consider the role of novel technological developments in tracking the dispersal of humans into the Old World. The latest dating methods will also be used to build chronologies from archaeological sites across Eurasia and track the dispersal of modern humans.
Your personal sphere of influence:
The candidate will work on developing and applying improved methodologies for AMS radiocarbon dating of bone, antler and teeth by isolating specific amino acids, using material from Palaeolithic archaeological sites in Eurasia. In addition, they will, where appropriate, apply other scientific methods including ZooMS/palaeoproteomics, stable isotope geochemistry, modelling and ancient DNA, to answer questions relating to the replacement of Neanderthals and/or Denisovans by anatomically modern humans between 60-30,000 years ago. All work will be undertaken in the University of Vienna.
Your future task
You actively participate in research, which means:
- You are motivated to undertake cutting-edge research into aspects of the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition and the complexities in the expansion and extinction of different forms of human,
- Training in radiocarbon dating and its application to archaeology, pretreatment chemistry, palaeoproteomics and the Bayesian modeling of radiocarbon dates will be given, but prior experience would be an advantage
- We expect you to finalize your dissertation agreement within 12-18 months.
- You work on your dissertation and its completion.
This is part of your track record
- Essential: MSc-degree or equivalent in a relevant subject (archaeological science, archaeology, chemistry, physics). This requirement needs to be fulfilled until the start of the employment.
- Desirable: Experimental skills in archaeological science or organic chemistry, high motivation and enjoyment of research.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English.
- You are expected to subscribe to the PhD program of the VDSEE Doctoral School.
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. 5 p.)
- Degree certificates
- Via our job portal/ Apply now - button
Appplication deadline: 6 October 2025
We look forward to new personalities in our team!
If you have any questions, please contact:
Thomas Higham
thomas.higham@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.
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Application deadline: 10/06/2025 (MM-DD-YYYY)
