Excavation technician

40 Faculty of Historical and Cultural Studies
Startdate: 01.01.2027 | Working hours: 40 | Collective bargaining agreement: §54 VwGr. IIIb

Reference no.: 6139

If you love to conduct archaeological excavations, then welcome to the team! Our department consists of personalities who want to make a change. Our work is based on respectful communication, professionalism and high aspirations of having a positive impact on society.

Your personal sphere of influence:

The Department of Prehistory and Historical Archaeology is advertising a post in excavation techniques and archaeological building research (Chair of Historical Archaeology, Prof. Dr Thomas Kühtreiber). The post is closely linked to the ongoing research programmes ‘Dynamics in Rural Areas’ and ‘Identities and Material Cultures’ at the Chair of Historical Archaeology.

Your future tasks:

The excavation technician is expected to assist the Chair of Historical Archaeology with the administration and execution of archaeological fieldwork. This involves the organisation, conduct, documentation and reporting of teaching and research excavations, as well as practical sessions and work placements in archaeological building research and comparable activities.

• Technical supervision of the excavation, independent documentation (including using a total station and image-based modelling, e.g. with drones), management of artefact records, creation of Harris matrices, and contribution to Parts A and B of the excavation report in accordance with BDA guidelines
• Independently producing plans (including photographic plans) for archaeological building documentation
• Participation in teaching excavations and building research courses

This is part of your personality:

• Successful candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Prehistory and Historical Archaeology or a related archaeological discipline before taking up the position (the Bachelor’s degree must have been obtained by the date of appointment at the latest).
• You will have knowledge of medieval and modern archaeology, demonstrated through relevant training or practical experience (e.g. a Bachelor’s thesis on a relevant topic, participation in relevant excavations, building surveys or research projects).
• You will have practical experience in conducting stratigraphic excavations, including the creation of Harris matrices (to be demonstrated by a list of projects).
• You have in-depth knowledge of surveying techniques, digital documentation and analysis in excavations and/or building research projects (evidence to be provided in the form of a list of projects).
• You have knowledge of administration and reporting in archaeological excavations and/or building research (evidence to be provided in the form of a list of projects).
• You have demonstrable knowledge of image-based modelling, CAD systems and geographic information systems (preferably QGIS).
• You have experience of working in a team and on interdisciplinary research projects.
• Proficiency in German (minimum C1) is required; written and spoken English (minimum B2) forms an important basis for your work.
• A Category B driving licence is essential.

What we offer:

• Contract duration: The job vacany starts with January 1st, 2027. The contract is limited until: 31.12.2027 with option to convert to a permanent contract
• Fair salary: The monthly gross salary is 3.131,30 € (14x/year, Allg. Personal IIIb, Grundstufe). Prior experience can be taken into account.
• Work-life balance: The position is full-time, with a standard working week of 40 hours. We offer flexible working hours and place great importance on arranging working time by mutual agreement, taking into account both operational requirements and the personal needs of our employees, particularly with regard to caregiving responsibilities.
• Inspiring working atmosphere: You are part of a committed team with diverse university backgrounds in a relaxed work environment.
• Good public transport connections: Your workplace in the center of beautiful Vienna is easily accessible by public transport. The place of work is Vienna, unless you are traveling for research purposes. A workspace in a shared office will be provided.
• Internal further training: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.
• Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional personality to the team!

It’s that easy to apply:

Applications can be submitted in German and must include

• letter of motivation (max. 2 pages)
• CV
• a list of previous excavation and building research activities, with a particular focus on administrative tasks (e.g. on-site excavation management, artefact management, reporting) and digital documentation work
• Evidence (certificates, diplomas) of training in digital documentation techniques (CAD, GIS, Image Based Modelling)
• Leaving certificates
• Further documents, if necessary.

If you have any content questions, please contact:

Thomas Kühtreiber

thomas.kuehtreiber@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.

Application deadline: 10/31/2026

Laboratory & Technology