University Assistant PraeDoc in the research area of Political and Social Philosophy 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 Political and Social Philosophy

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!

Your workplace:

As a doctoral researcher, you will become part of Prof. Hans Bernhard Schmid's research team. The team conducts research in social and political philosophy. Current special research interest of the team are on social ontology, philosophy of social action, philosophy of the social sciences,  and the history of social thought.

Further information can be found here:
https://homepage.univie.ac.at/hans.bernhard.schmid/

Your duties will include active participation in research, teaching, and administration. The main focus of the position is on the completion of a dissertation thesis 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. Hans Bernhard Schmid’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
• High level of written and oral communication skills
• Good command of written and spoken English
• 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
• IT skills, especially in the area of word processing, PowerPoint, study administration programs and e-learning programs
• Organizational and teamwork skills

Desirable:

• Experience in academic work and research organization
• Teaching experience and experience with e-learning
• Knowledge of university procedures and structures

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 3.776,10 (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. 3 pages)
• A list of your publications and proof of teaching experience (if available)
• A short summary of a dissertation project (1000 words, including outline and preliminary bibliography with the most important sources for the dissertation project)
• Writing sample(s) (max. 25 pages)
• Certificate and transcripts for completed master's degree (or equivalent)
• Contact details of at least two potential referees who can provide letters of recommendation on request (these will be requested for shortlisted candidates only)

Application is via our job portal / Apply now – button

If you have any questions, please contact:

Hans Bernhard Schmid  

office-hbs.philosophie@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: 08/15/2026 

Apply now