University assistant predoctoral role available in the ZTW HAITrans research group

Universität Wien

Job description:

The University of Vienna is a community of over 10,000 individuals, including approximately 7,500 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 predoctoral role available in the ZTW HAITrans research group

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!

The University of Vienna Centre for Translation Studies (ZTW) is looking for a German and English-speaking prae-doc candidate to join the HAITrans (Human and Artificial Intelligence in Translation) research group and contribute to the group’s "Investigating the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the Language Services Industry", "Improving the quality of Translation/Revision/PEMT output by using automatic speech tools and LLMs", and "Cognitive investigations of Translation/Revision/PEMT practices" research themes. The candidate will have access to the HAITrans eye-tracking lab, as well as the UniVie computing facilities, and will contribute to the research, teaching and administrative activities of the ZTW under the supervision of the HAITrans research group leader Univ.-Prof. Dragoș Ciobanu, PhD.

Your personal sphere of influence:

Your future position is within the HAITrans research group (https://haitrans.univie.ac.at/) based in the University of Vienna Centre for Translation Studies. HAITrans investigates the behavioural and cognitive effects which technologies such as large language models, machine translation, and automatic speech recognition and synthesis have on translators, as well as their impact on the profession, practice, training and society at large.

This position is limited until 31.03.2030.

Your future tasks:

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

• You are involved in research projects and scientific studies connected to the group's "Investigating the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the Language Services Industry", "Improving the quality of Translation/Revision/PEMT output by using automatic speech tools and LLMs", and "Cognitive investigations of Translation/Revision/PEMT practices" research themes.
• We expect you to finalise your dissertation agreement within 12-18 months.
• You complete your dissertation by the end of your contract.
• You contribute to the group's joint publications/presentations/advisory work for external partners.
• You contribute proactively to the group's continuous learning culture.
• You represent the group at international conferences.
• You hold courses independently within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
• You take on administrative tasks in research, teaching and administration.
• You contribute to the organisation of meetings, conferences, symposia.

Candidate profile:

• Completed Master's degree in Translation Studies/Computational Linguistics, with a practical focus on one or more technologies relevant for the HAITrans group
• Excellent command of written and spoken English and German (C1 Level); additional languages are an asset
• Experience as a translator/reviser/MT post-editor/language technologist/localiser/terminologist
• In-depth knowledge of or experience with a wide range of language technologies, such as: Machine Translation, Large Language Models, Automatic Speech Recognition, Automatic Speech Synthesis, Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT), Software Localisation, Terminology Extraction and Management, Project Management, Quality Assurance, Quality Assessment, Subtitling
• Experience working with professional linguists members of professional organisations
• Excellent communication and self-management skills, as well as proactive attitudes regarding using technologies to address genuine professional translator challenges
• Self-motivation, attention to detail, problem-solving attitude, and a drive to produce high-quality work.
• Creativity and originality in proposing to investigate a research topic that addresses a real-world challenge which professional translators face.
• You should be a team player with high social skills

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!

Employment model: 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 non-extension declaration.

It is that easy to apply:

• The application should be a single PDF file, including the following:
• Letter of Motivation in English which demonstrates why the candidate fits the requirements of the role.
• Concise description of research interests and research plan in English (max 2 pages), indicating clearly how these align with the HAITrans research themes mentioned in this role description. 
• Curriculum vitae in English.
• Degree certificates (either in English or accompanied by an English translation).
• Title page of the MA thesis/project.
• Contact details of two referees who can provide letters of reference in English.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a practical task in addition to an interview. 

• Via our  job portal/ Apply now -  button

If you have any questions, please contact:

Univ.-Prof. Dragoș Ciobanu, PhD
Professor of Computational Terminology and Machine Translation

dragos.ioan.ciobanu@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 lay special emphasis on increasing the number of women in senior and in academic positions among the academic and general university staff 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 (MM-DD-YYYY)

Apply now