University Assistant (Predoctoral) in Political Science
Join the University of Vienna as a predoctoral researcher focusing on comparative policy analysis and contemporary solidarity.
Best for:Best for political science or social science master's graduates with a strong interest in qualitative methods, comparative policy analysis, and the study of social solidarity.
Overview
The Department of Political Science at the University of Vienna invites applications for a four-year predoctoral university assistant position starting April 1, 2027. The successful candidate will join the Centre for the Study of Contemporary Solidarity (CeSCoS), led by Professor Barbara Prainsack, to conduct research in comparative policy analysis and qualitative methods. Responsibilities include pursuing a doctoral degree, participating in teaching and academic administration, and supporting research projects and event organization. Applicants are expected to hold a relevant master's degree and bring a doctoral research project aligned with the Centre's core themes.
What you'll do
- Conduct independent academic research leading to a doctoral dissertation in comparative policy analysis and solidarity.
- Contribute to research projects, publications, academic articles, and presentations within the CeSCoS research group.
- Assist with research grant applications, budget drafting, and monitoring or reporting tasks.
- Participate in independent teaching of university courses in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.
- Supervise students and contribute to department administration and teaching support.
- Organize academic events, meetings, conferences, symposia, and workshops.
- Conclude a formal doctoral thesis agreement and obtain approval for the PhD research proposal within 9-12 months.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree in political science or a relevant social science discipline
Degree offered: PhD
Language: Excellent command of English as a working language and good command of German
Instruction: English and German
- Willingness to align a doctoral research project with comparative policy analysis and practices of solidarity
- Good knowledge of qualitative research methods
- Basic knowledge of quantitative research methods
- Didactic competence for teaching university courses
- Ability to work effectively in an international team while pursuing independent research
- General IT user skills
- Hold a recognized Master's degree in political science or a closely related social science field
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-28
Prepare all required application documents including a motivation letter, CV, research proposal, and text samples. Submit your complete application through the University of Vienna's online job portal using the 'Apply now' button before the deadline.
- Letter of motivation
- Scientific curriculum vitae
- List of publications
- Short doctoral project proposal
- Master's thesis
- Selected text sample
- Evidence of teaching experience
- Contact details of two referees
- Certificates
Contact
Marlene Auer
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