The University of Vienna, one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities, has announced an exciting opportunity for highly qualified researchers to join its academic community as a University Assistant (Postdoctoral Researcher) within the Department of Government under the Faculty of Social Sciences. This six-year fixed-term academic appointment offers an excellent platform for researchers seeking to establish an internationally recognized research profile while contributing to teaching, student supervision, and academic service.
The position is scheduled to begin on 1 October 2026 (or shortly thereafter) and provides successful candidates with the opportunity to work in one of Europe’s leading centers for comparative politics research. Applicants with expertise in political representation, party competition, political institutions, political behavior, political economy, or related areas are strongly encouraged to apply.
The application deadline is 20 August 2026.
About the University of Vienna
Founded in 1365, the University of Vienna is among the oldest universities in Europe and has earned a global reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and research. The institution employs more than 10,000 staff members, including approximately 7,500 researchers and academic staff, making it one of Europe’s largest research universities.
The university promotes:
- Excellence in teaching and research
- International collaboration
- Academic freedom
- Diversity and inclusion
- Interdisciplinary cooperation
- Innovation across disciplines
- Equal opportunities for all employees
Researchers at the University of Vienna benefit from an environment that supports scientific independence while encouraging collaboration across cultures, generations, and academic fields.
About the Position
The Department of Government, part of the Faculty of Social Sciences, is recruiting a University Assistant (Postdoctoral Researcher) to strengthen its internationally recognized research programs.
The department is widely respected for its work in comparative politics, focusing on Europe and broader international political systems. Researchers collaborate with leading scholars from around the world while producing impactful academic work published in internationally recognized journals.
The successful candidate will contribute to research, teaching, supervision, and academic administration while developing an independent research profile.
Position Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | University Assistant (Postdoctoral Researcher) |
| Institution | University of Vienna |
| Department | Department of Government |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences |
| Job ID | 5969 |
| Employment Type | Full-time |
| Working Hours | 40 hours per week |
| Start Date | 1 October 2026 (or thereafter) |
| Contract Duration | 1 October 2026 – 30 September 2032 |
| Contract Length | Six years |
| Location | Vienna, Austria |
Research Areas
The department welcomes applicants working in one or more of the following areas:
- Political representation
- Party competition
- Political institutions
- Political behavior
- Political economy
- Comparative politics
- Related political science fields
Applicants whose research complements and expands the department’s existing expertise are especially encouraged to apply.
Main Responsibilities
The selected candidate will actively contribute to the university’s research, teaching, and administrative missions.
1. Conduct High-Quality Research
Responsibilities include:
- Developing an independent international research profile
- Producing high-quality scholarly publications
- Publishing in internationally recognized academic journals
- Expanding ongoing research collaborations
- Pursuing innovative research questions
2. Publish Internationally
Successful candidates are expected to:
- Produce internationally visible publications
- Submit articles to leading academic journals
- Develop advanced research manuscripts
- Build an internationally recognized academic reputation
3. Present Research
The university expects researchers to actively participate in the international academic community through:
- International conferences
- Workshops
- Academic seminars
- Research networks
- Collaborative research events
4. Teaching
Teaching duties include independently delivering university courses according to the university’s collective bargaining agreement.
Typical teaching responsibilities include:
- Approximately 180 minutes of classroom teaching per week during each academic semester
- Preparing lectures
- Assessing students
- Supporting student learning
5. Student Supervision
The successful applicant will supervise:
- Bachelor’s students
- Master’s students
Responsibilities include:
- Academic mentoring
- Research guidance
- Thesis supervision
- Student consultations
6. Administrative Responsibilities
Academic staff members also contribute to departmental administration through:
- Quality assurance activities
- Evaluation processes
- Departmental administration
- Committee participation
- Academic service responsibilities
Required Qualifications
Applicants should meet the following academic requirements.
Educational Requirements
Candidates must possess:
- A completed Doctorate (PhD) in Political Science
or
- A closely related social science discipline.
Candidates who have completed all degree requirements and successfully defended their PhD may also apply, provided they can submit an official conferral letter before starting the position.
Required Research Profile
Applicants should demonstrate an independent research agenda in one or more of the following areas:
- Political representation
- Party competition
- Political institutions
- Political economy
- Political behavior
- Comparative politics
- Related political science disciplines
The research profile should complement and strengthen the Department of Government’s existing research strengths.
Research Skills
Candidates should possess:
- Strong expertise in social science research methods
- Advanced quantitative and/or qualitative research skills
- Experience in data collection
- Experience in data analysis
- Evidence of independent research
Publication Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate academic excellence through:
- Internationally recognized publications
or
- Advanced manuscripts under review, including revise-and-resubmit submissions.
The department is seeking candidates capable of producing internationally competitive research outputs.
Language Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Excellent written English
- Excellent spoken English
Since English is widely used in international academic research, strong communication skills are essential.
Teamwork
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong collaboration skills
- Ability to work within international research teams
- Commitment to interdisciplinary cooperation
- Professional communication abilities
Salary and Employment Benefits
The University of Vienna offers a highly competitive employment package.
Salary
Successful applicants will receive:
- Base salary: EUR 5,014.30 per month
- Paid 14 times per year
- Salary increases based on recognized professional experience
Work-Life Balance
Employees enjoy:
- Flexible working hours
- Family-friendly policies
- Opportunities for partial remote work within Austria
- Healthy work-life balance
International Working Environment
Researchers become part of:
- An international academic community
- A collaborative research environment
- Interdisciplinary teams
- A supportive workplace culture
Excellent Location
The workplace is located in the heart of Vienna and offers:
- Easy access by public transportation
- Modern university facilities
- A vibrant academic environment
- Excellent quality of life
Research Support
The department aims to support researchers through:
- Conference travel funding
- Fair access to research assistants
- Academic networking opportunities
- Professional development support
Required Application Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents before submitting their application.
1. Academic Curriculum Vitae
The CV should include:
- Academic qualifications
- Key achievements
- Current research activities
- Publication list
- Courses taught
- Conference presentations and invited talks
2. Cover Letter
Maximum length:
- One page
3. Research Statement
Maximum length:
- Two pages
The document should explain:
- Previous research achievements
- Current research
- Future research plans
- Long-term academic goals
4. Academic Referees
Applicants should provide:
- Contact details of three academic referees
Recruitment Process
Shortlisted applicants are expected to participate in interviews.
Provisional interview dates:
- 24 September 2026
- 25 September 2026
Diversity and Equal Opportunity
The University of Vienna is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace.
Its employment policy promotes:
- Equal opportunities
- Diversity
- Inclusion
- Anti-discrimination
- Career advancement for women in academia
Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply. Where qualifications are equal, preference will be given to female candidates in accordance with the university’s equal opportunity policy.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit all required application documents through the University of Vienna’s official online job portal before the application deadline.
Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all required documents are complete and tailored to the advertised position, particularly their research statement, publication record, and academic CV.
Why You Should Apply
This position offers an outstanding opportunity for early-career researchers seeking to establish themselves internationally. The combination of long-term employment, competitive salary, research support, teaching experience, and international collaboration makes it an attractive academic career opportunity.
Key advantages include:
- Six-year postdoctoral appointment
- Competitive salary paid 14 times annually
- Flexible working arrangements
- Family-friendly employer
- International research environment
- Strong support for conference participation
- Opportunities to supervise students
- Independent teaching experience
- Access to leading comparative politics scholars
- Career development at one of Europe’s most respected universities
Visit HERE to learn more about the University of Vienna University Assistant (Postdoctoral Researcher) 2026
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 20 August 2026
- Provisional Interviews: 24–25 September 2026
- Expected Start Date: 1 October 2026
Conclusion
The University of Vienna’s University Assistant (Postdoctoral Researcher) position presents an exceptional opportunity for political scientists seeking to advance their academic careers within a globally respected research institution. With a six-year appointment, an internationally competitive salary, substantial research support, and the opportunity to teach and supervise students, the role provides an ideal environment for developing an internationally recognized research profile. Scholars with expertise in comparative politics, political institutions, political behavior, political representation, or related fields are encouraged to submit their applications before 20 August 2026 and become part of one of Europe’s leading academic communities.
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