"Early-Stage Researcher - PhD Student (m/f/d)"

The University for Continuing Education Krems specializes in part-time academic continuing education. As a public university for continuing education, it works with its expertise in teaching and research to overcome societal challenges and tailors its study programs to address them. With nearly 7,500 students coming from 103 countries, the University for Continuing Education Krems combines its many years of experience in university-based continuing education with innovation to provide outstanding quality in research and teaching at an international level. Situated 60 km from Vienna in the alluring UNESCO world heritage region Wachau, Campus Krems is a highly attractive location.

The following position is available to strengthen our team of the Department for Higher Education Research at the Faculty of Education, Arts and Architecture:

Early-Stage Researcher – PhD Student (m/f/d)

30 hrs./week

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Your tasks

• Independently conduct scientific research aimed at understanding the working conditions in academia within the framework of the international consortium Future-AP (Current and Future Challenges in the Academic Profession)
• Actively engage in the (co-)writing of third-party funding applications
• Teach courses in the programs of the Department of Higher Education Research to graduate students
• Publish research findings in international, peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Engage actively in both national and international conferences, presenting research findings and networking with peers in the scientific community
• Participate in global research collaborations, such as the Global Observatory for Higher Education Changes (GOHEC)
• Complete and submit a cumulative PhD dissertation within the PhD Programme iCELL Interdisciplinary Studies of Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning in the field of Higher Education Research within a three-year timeframe

Your profile

We require evidence of the following qualifications for the application:

• Completion of a diploma or master's degree in a field related to higher education research such as sociology, political sciences, educational sciences or psychology or similar studies (criterion must be met by 31 December 2025 at latest)
• Basic knowledge in the concepts of evidence-based policymaking demonstrated e.g. by successful completion of relevant courses
• Strong knowledge and advanced skills in statistical and quantitative data analysis (e.g., using SPSS or R), demonstrated through successful completion of relevant courses, research projects, or publications.
• Proficiency in scientific writing, demonstrated by scientific publications or master thesis
• Excellent command of spoken and written English and German, both at least at a B2 level

In addition, the following criteria are desirable:

• Experience in quantitative and/or qualitative research methods
• Academic achievements, such as publications, presentations, or awards
• Flexibility, resilience, and ability to collaborate effectively within a team

Your perspective

• Part-time position (30 hours/week) initially limited to 3 years
• minimum salary of EUR 3,714.80 gross per month (14x) on a full-time basis
• classification according to § 49 VwGr. B1, Kollektivvertrag für Universitäten (collective agreement for universities)
• Innovative and modern working environment at the Campus Krems
• Possibility of home office and mobile working (max. 42% of working hours)
• Extensive benefits such as: very good further training opportunities as part of our own study programs, a wide range of company health promotion programs and the University Sports Institute (USI)

The University for Continuing Education Krems sees high innovation potential in the diversity of its employees and is committed to diversity as a guiding principle. We therefore explicitly invite people with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses who meet the required profile criteria to apply for the position.

We look forward to receiving your online application by 26 November 2025 via our online tool: Vacancies - University for Continuing Education Krems

Your application should include:

• Cover letter (max. two pages)
• Europass CV
• Degrees and transcripts
• Two recommendation letters
• Two writing samples (e.g., Master thesis, seminar paper, scientific articles, etc.)