University assistant predoctoral - Research Platform 'Trustworthy Science Communication' 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 predoctoral - Research Platform 'Trustworthy Science Communication'

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 personal sphere of influence:

The University of Vienna Research Platform ‘Trustworthy Science Communication’ announces a PhD position at the Faculty of Computer Science, Research Group Visualization and Data Analysis. 

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.

Together, we will examine public trust in science through cutting-edge research on science communication. Our research will be built on the understanding that public trust in science is complex, shaped by perceptions of trustworthiness, communication practices, and shifting social and political contexts. Trust cannot be assumed or manufactured; it must be earned through consistent integrity, transparency, and responsiveness. Because political developments, media narratives, and societal change continually challenge the relationship between science and the public, trust must be actively maintained. Addressing this challenge requires an interdisciplinary approach, as trust in science is conceptualized differently across fields. By integrating these perspectives, this platform aims to advance research on the foundations and practice of trustworthy science communication.

We invite applications for PhD projects located in and beyond each of the participating disciplines. All PhD candidates will work with an interdisciplinary supervision team and may join one of the doctoral schools at the University of Vienna. Applicants should be able to demonstrate interest in or experience with public science communication, the capacity to carry out interdisciplinary research, and the research skills necessary to complete a PhD. Further details of each position are provided below.

The successful candidate for this position will be employed by the Faculty of Computer Science and their research project will be supervised by an interdisciplinary supervisory team from the University of Vienna.  

The employment duration is 4 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 4 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a declaration of non-extension.

Your future tasks:

You actively participate in research, teaching & administration, which means:

•   Conduct science communication research focusing on trust and trustworthiness in digital and data-driven environments, particularly in relation to data visualizations.

•    Design and implement empirical studies to examine how scientific information is interpreted and trusted, with special attention to data literacy and its role in strengthening citizen agency.

•    We expect you to join the Vienna Doctoral School of Computer Science and conclude a doctoral thesis agreement within 12 months.

•    You work on your dissertation and its completion.

•    You hold courses and examinations independently and (co-)supervise students within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.

•    You take on administrative tasks in research and teaching. 

•    You become an active team member of the Research Platform "Trustworthy Science Communication" and the Research Group Visualization and Data Analysis, a subunit of the Faculty of Computer Science.

This is part of your personality:

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

• Strong interest in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of science communication and their original field of study
• Ability to work independently and as part of a research team in a collaborative environment.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal communication skills for interdisciplinary collaboration and presenting research findings.
• Excellent English skills, both written and spoken.

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

• Relevant Master’s degree (e.g., Computer Science, Data Science, Digital Humanities, or related disciplines) 
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods, e.g., survey design, interviews, ethnography, or mixed-methods approaches
• Knowledge of statistical data analysis (e.g., R, Stata, SPSS), and/or other programming skills (e.g., survey scripting)
• Strong interest in questions of trust and trustworthiness, AI and society, and science communication in digital environments
• Interest in open science principles 
• Experience with academic writing and familiarity with publishing processes

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: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.

Fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 3.776,10 (on a full-time basis) increases if we can credit professional experience.

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

It is that easy to apply:

• With a letter of motivation that describes your previous research achievements, your research goals, your career plans, and your reasons for applying;
• With 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);
• With an abstract in English of your MA/MSc thesis, BA/BSc thesis, or of a research project you were involved in;
• With a 1-page research pitch describing an idea for a PhD dissertation within the field of data-driven science communication research, which would fit within the research focus of the “Trustworthy Science Communication” research platform;
• With a complete list of finalised studies and transcripts of all grades;
• With 1-2 names of academic references and their contact addresses (e.g., your Master’s thesis supervisor);
• With any other material you think is relevant
• Via our job portal / Apply now -  button.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Torsten Möller  

torsten.moeller@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: 05/14/2026 

Apply now