University Assistant postdoctoral

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. 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

49 Faculty of Social Sciences  

Job vacancy starting: 01.08.2026 | Working hours:  40.00  | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc) 

Limited contract until: 31.07.2032

Job ID: 5058

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where over 7,500 brilliant minds have found a unique balance of freedom and support. Join us if you’re passionate about groundbreaking international research and academic excellence. Ready to be part of our team? Let’s shape the future together!

Your position is based at the Department of Development Studies, a sub-unit of the Faculty of Social Sciences, which focuses its teaching and research on the transdisciplinary analysis and critical reflection of global inequalities. Teaching and research therefore centre on theories and approaches to social, political, historical, cultural and economic transformations and inequalities, and their reflection, as well as questions regarding the methodological approach to the subject of ‘development’. We regard transdisciplinary collaboration in both teaching and research as essential for understanding political, economic, social and cultural processes, dynamics, power structures and their interplay at both global and local levels.

At the Department of Development Studies, you will join a team of dedicated researchers, work on exciting research projects, and benefit from collegial and transdisciplinary collaboration, as well as the opportunity to engage with a young and enthusiastic generation of students. The research focus of our unit lies in the areas of green extractivism, energy colonialism, hydrogen, post-development, and policies for ecosystemic survival in the Anthropocene. Our regional focus is on southern and western Africa, Latin America and the EU’s external borders. Our research strategies are shaped by post- and decolonial critique, political ecology and critical geography, critical governance research/governmentalities analysis, qualitative, discursive and participative methodologies.

Active participation in research, teaching & administration, which means:

•    Independently develop and successfully carry out a postdoctoral project with the aim of securing a tenured position

•    Contribute to the field of development studies from a political science / political-ecological perspective

•    Independent development of / involvement in research projects and research grant applications

•    Collaboration on publications, conferences and events

•    Independently delivering lectures and conducting examinations in accordance with the terms of the appointment, including supervising undergraduates or co-supervising PhD students as part of a team supervision arrangement

•    Assisting with organisational and administrative tasks as well as evaluation procedures

•    Taking over responsibilities within the departmental administration

•    A successfully completed, outstanding PhD and a Master’s or Diploma degree in Political Science, International Relations, International Development or a related field with a focus on political science or political ecology

•    Proven expertise in at least two of the following fields: political ecology, political economy, postcolonial/decolonial theory, feminist theory/queer theory, critical security studies, peace and conflict studies, and transformation studies.

•    Outstanding methodological skills, in particular experience with qualitative and transdisciplinary methods, including field research, ethnography and participatory action research

•    Proven relevant teaching experience; experience with e-learning; facilitation skills

•    Integration into German-speaking and international research networks in the fields of political ecology and socio-ecological transformation

•    Initial experience in securing external funding

•    High standard of written and oral language competencies

•    Excellent written and spoken German and English; knowledge of other languages is desirable

•    Practical IT skills relevant to the social sciences

•    Ability to work as part of a team

•    Organisational and administrative skills

•    International research experience

•    Familiarity with university procedures and structures

Work-life balance: You have flexible working hours and can also work partly remotely (when compatible with institutional requirements). The workplace is Vienna.

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 in the center of beautiful Vienna is easily accessible by public transport.

Internal further training & Coaching: Opportunity to expand and deepen your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.

Fixed-term contract and fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 5.014,30 (14 times a year) for a period of 6 years increases if we can credit professional experience.

Equal opportunities for everyone: We look forward to diverse personalities in the team!

We encourage applications from underrepresented groups in academia, especially from third countries.

•    Cover letter

•    Academic CV, including a list of publications and proof of teaching experience

•    Brief proposal for a postdoctoral project

•    A sample of academic writing (peer-reviewed article)

•    Degree certificates (not school reports)

•    Via our job portal / ‘Apply now’ button

Franziska Müller  

franziska.mueller@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.

Application deadline: 26.04.2026