University Assistant (praedoc) Universität Wien

Job description:

At the University of Vienna almost 11,000 personalities work together towards answering the big questions of the future. Around 3,000 of them work in administration and organisation, around 7,700 do research and teaching. We are currently seeking a/an

University Assistant (praedoc)

Your personal sphere of influence:

The University of Vienna Research Platform ‘Trustworthy Science Communication’ announces a PhD position at the Department of Science and Technology Studies. 

Members of the research platform will conduct science communication research with a specific focus on the question of trust in science. This research will be interdisciplinary, and led by researchers in Communication Science, Computer Science, Psychology, and Science and Technology Studies.
We are currently looking for PhD candidates for 5 different research topics. The position advertised here will be based in the Department of Science and Technology Studies but supervised by an interdisciplinary team from the platform. It will focus on qualitative research exploring how scientific knowledge and institutions may be experienced as (un)trustworthy by diverse public audiences.
The successful candidate for this position will be employed by the University of Vienna and their research project will be supervised by an interdisciplinary supervisory team from the University of Vienna.

The position is advertised to the extent of 30 hours/week (75%) for a period of four years. The anticipated start date is in June 2026.

Your future tasks:

The successful candidate will work on a PhD dissertation, participate in research activities of the platform, and contribute to teaching. You will:

• Design and carry out your PhD research, oriented to understanding how scientific knowledge and institutions may be experienced as (un)trustworthy by diverse public audiences;
• We expect you to join the Vienna Doctoral School of Social Sciences and conclude a doctoral thesis agreement within 12 months;
• Hold courses and examinations independently and (co-)supervise students within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement;
• Take on administrative tasks in research and teaching;
• Collaborate with colleagues and participate in platform and department seminars, events, and research activities;
• Present your research at national and international conferences, meetings, and symposia.

This is part of your personality:

All candidates in the Research Platform are expected to have the following qualifications as part of their profile:

• Prior interest in interdisciplinary research and in science communication research and practice;
• Excellent English skills, both written and spoken;
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines;
• Excellent verbal communication skills for interdisciplinary collaboration and presenting research findings;
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a research team in a collaborative environment.

In addition, the following specific requirements apply to the position advertised here:

• A university degree (Master or equivalent) in Science and Technology Studies (STS), Science Communication, or in another field, if you can provide evidence of significant prior research experience in science communication;
• Experience with qualitative and ethnographic methods;
• Experience in conducting participatory research with marginalised communities is desirable, as is knowledge of the theories and approaches of Science and Technology Studies and/or qualitative Science Communication scholarship.

What we offer:

• A lively, active, and internationally oriented STS environment;
• Mentorship and a commitment to supportive supervision that helps you realise your research;
• Team culture with regular opportunities to exchange and socialise;
• Emphasis on work-life balance and on healthy research culture;
• Support and training through participation in the Vienna Doctoral School of Social Sciences;
• Opportunities for internal training and coaching as well as enhancement of personal skills from the University of Vienna;
• The basic monthly gross salary for this advertised position currently (2026) is € 3.776,10 (full time basis) and will be paid 14 times a year for a period of four years (i.e., the duration of the contract). The basic salary increases if we can credit prior professional experience;
• Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment is automatically extended to 4 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a non-extension declaration.

It is that easy to apply, with:

• A motivation letter that details your previous research achievements, research goals, career plans, motivation for applying, and to what extent your profile covers the expectations of the research topic of the position. Important: If you are applying for more than one position within the platform, please clearly specify all the positions you apply for and include a preference ranking in your letter of motivation;
• A complete CV, including a list of previous scientific expertise, awards, grants, stays abroad, attended lectures, attended summer schools, attended workshops, skills, and publications (if applicable);
• An abstract in English of your MA/MSc thesis, BA/BSc thesis, or of a research project you were involved in;
• A complete list of finalised studies and transcripts of all grades;
• 1-2 names of academic references and their contact addresses (e.g., your Master’s thesis supervisor);
• A 2-4 page outline of a possible PhD project oriented to exploring how scientific knowledge and institutions may be experienced as (un)trustworthy by diverse public audiences.

If you have any content questions, please contact:

Sarah Davies

sarah.davies@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.

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Application deadline: 05/16/2026 

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