University Assistant postdoctoral in the research area of Philosophy of Enlightenment and Modernity

Universität Wien

Job description:

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

University Assistant postdoctoral in the research area of Philosophy of Enlightenment and Modernity

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! The contract is for 3 years and renewable for another 3 years (6 years in total).

Your workplace:

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will become part of Prof. Katharina Kraus' research team. The team conducts research in the history of philosophy, roughly from the seventeenth to the twentieth century. The team's research currently focuses on Immanuel Kant's transcendental philosophy and its reception in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, women philosophers in the German tradition, and philosophy of life and phenomenology. Systematic research interests include topics in philosophy of mind, epistemology, and philosophy of science, as well as ethics and philosophy of action.

Further information can be found here:

https://www.univie.ac.at/en/news/new-professorships/details/kraus-katharina

https://www.katharinatkraus.com

Your future tasks:

We expect you to actively participate in research, teaching, and administration at the Department of Philosophy and in Prof. Katharina Kraus’s research team. This involves the following:

• You produce excellent research in philosophy.
• You take part in and help organizing research activities such as reading groups, workshops, visiting talks.
• You publish in peer-reviewed journals and give research presentations.
• You apply for third-party funding for your research.
• You prepare and complete a habilitation (if this is beneficial to your career)
• You contribute to teaching within the BA and MA philosophy programs by independently teaching courses to the extent to which you are required according to the collective bargaining agreement (4 SWS).
• You supervise students in your areas of competence.
• You participate in evaluation measures and in quality assurance.
• You take on administrative and organizational tasks.

Your profile:

Required:

• Completed doctoral studies in history of philosophy (the doctoral thesis must be submitted by the application deadline)
• Track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or with presses (appropriate for the career stage)
• Research interests in at least one of the following fields: history of modern philosophy, including philosophy of the Enlightenment (seventeenth and eighteenth centuries), philosophical traditions of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, women philosophers and other marginalized figures in the history of philosophy
• Teaching experience
• Excellent knowledge of English (C1)
• Knowledge of German or willingness to acquire proficiency within 2 years
• Organizational skills and willingness to organize events, including reading groups, talks, workshops
• Ability to work in a team

Desirable:

• Teaching competence in the history of philosophy is highly desirable
• Note that many courses at the University of Vienna are taught in English, so knowledge of German is not strictly required. However, knowledge of German is highly desirable

What we offer:

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours, remote/hybrid and/or part-time work (upon agreement).

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 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 4.932,90 (14 times a year) for a period of 3 years (renewable for another 3 years to 6 years in total) increases if we can credit professional experience.

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

In order to apply, please submit the following:

• A letter of motivation
• Your academic CV
• A list of your publications and proof of teaching experience (if available)
• Two article-length writing samples or publications
• A summary of your research interests and plans (max. 2 pages)
• Degree certificates and transcripts
• Contact details of three persons who can provide letters of reference (letters will be requested for longlisted candidates only)
• Via our job portal/ Apply now -  button

If you have any questions, please contact:

Univ.-Prof. Katharina Kraus, PhD

katharina.kraus@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.

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​Application deadline: 01/30/2026 

Apply now