University Assistant Praedoc 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. 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 Praedoc in the research area of Philosophy of Enlightenment and Modernity

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 team!

Your workplace:

As a doctoral researcher, you will become part of Prof. Katharina Kraus's 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 duties will include active participation in research, teaching and administration at the Department of Philosophy in the area of history of philosophy. The main focus of the position is on the completion of a dissertation on a topic that falls within the range of the research group.

The duration of the contract at the time of employment is 4 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 4 years if the employer does not submit a declaration of non-extension within the first 12 months.

Your future tasks:

You 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 work on your dissertation and its completion.
• You are involved in research projects, conferences, research organization tasks and teaching.
• We expect you to finalize your dissertation agreement within 12 to 18 months.
• You hold courses independently within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
• You supervise students in your area(s) of competence and you help with conducting examinations.
• You contribute to the organization and content of conferences, publications, and academic projects.
• You take on administrative tasks in research and teaching as well as in the department.

Your profile:

Required:

• Completed Master's degree (or equivalent) in philosophy
• Outstanding achievements in your previous studies
• Thorough knowledge of (at least one area of) the history of philosophy
• High level of written and oral communication skills
• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• IT skills, especially in the area of word processing, PowerPoint, study administration programs and e-learning programs
• Organizational and teamwork skills
• You should be a team player with high social skills

Desirable:

• Initial experience in academic work and research organization
• Teaching experience and experience with e-learning
• Knowledge of university procedures and structures
• Knowledge of other areas of philosophy, including other historical periods and areas of analytic philosophy
• Experience abroad
• Knowledge of German or willingness to acquire German language skills within 3 years that are sufficient for teaching in BA programs and for participation in university committees

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: We offer you ongoing opportunities to expand and deepen your skills.

Fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 3.714,80 (on a full-time basis, 40h) increases if we can credit professional experience.

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

In order to apply, please submit the following:

• Your academic CV and a letter of motivation (max. 2 pages)
• A list of your publications and proof of teaching experience (if available)
• A short summary of a dissertation project (900 words, including bullet-point outline and preliminary bibliography with the most important sources for the dissertation project)
• Certificate and transcripts for completed master's degree (or equivalent)
• Contact details of at least two people who can provide letters of recommendation on request (these will be requested for shortlisted 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