Postdoc (f/m/x) in climate/environmental anthropology

Postdoc (f/m/x) in climate/environmental anthropology

(full time - 40 hours per week)

for a duration of 24 months, starting 1 January 2027 until 31 December 2028.
An extension of 6 months may be discussed but is not fixed yet.

We invite applications for one postdoc researcher position within the ERC-funded project ‘Climate and contemporary transformations of vernacular architecture,’ led by Docent Dr.Dr. Hubert Feiglstorfer. The project explores the impact of climate on transformations of vernacular architecture in Alpine and Himalayan regions. The postdoc will be carrying out research on climate and climate change in selected regions, settlements and houses in the Alpine and Himalayan Region.

Your Tasks

• Coding of interview transcriptions. The transcripts are primarily in German and English, with some also in French and Italian.
• As required, additional interviews will be conducted in Europe, mainly in the Alpine region, followed by transcription, coding, analysis and interpretation.
• Contextualising coding results, analyses and interpretations between European and Asian regions.
• Contextualising the ethnographic outcome with interdisciplinary research findings available within the project.
• Supporting the team in developing a profile of vernacular architecture, therefore collaborating with other disciplines involved in the project from the fields of engineering and natural sciences.

Whilst there is flexibility to develop the details of the research project and specific theoretical approaches independently, candidates should be aware that they will be working in a group project, led by a Principal Investigator (PI) within a pre-defined research framework. This means they will have to contribute collaboratively to the project’s core research questions and objectives.

Your Profile - Essential qualifications and criteria:

• Very good language skills in English and German, favourably French and/or Italian.
• Previous research in Europe/Alpine regions, as well as in-depth knowledge
  • of the history and politics of Alpine regions
  • in climate/environmental anthropology
  • of social dynamics in settlement and housing processes
• Familiarity with the anthropological literature on climate and environmental changes, with a focus on built environment.
• Ability to work independently, including conducting fieldwork, data analysis and writing, plus develop original lines of inquiry.
• Willingness to conduct collaborative fieldwork and writing with the PI and the research team.
• Show awareness of ethical considerations in fieldwork.
• Understand issues related to personal and participant security during fieldwork.
• Be prepared to join an existing research project and actively contribute to its central aims and collaborative inquiries.
• Be prepared to reside in Austria for the duration of the position (excluding fieldwork) and actively participate in project events.
• Support the project team in applying for a European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST, https://www.cost.eu/) with the option to participate in the network developed.
• Publication work, particularly submitting an article in the ERC-project monography in 2028 and scientific articles in renowned International journals, as single author or as co-author with a project team member.

Our Offer

• Employment at a leading research institution in Austria with an international and interdisciplinary working environment
• Funding for fieldwork, collaboration and attending conferences.
• A research-only position with no teaching obligations.
• Flexible working arrangements, with the option for two home office day per week.

The annual gross salary for this position is EUR 70.167,44 (full-time based), in accordance with the collective agreement of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW).

Please submit your application as a single PDF file (max. 5 MB) via the online portal (see link below) uploaded under "CV" field by 15 October 2026. Your application must include:

(1) Cover Letter (one page max)

(2) Academic CV

(3) Project Proposal (max. 3 pages)

(4) Scanned copies of all academic diplomas obtained in higher education

(5) Names and contact details of two referees, one of whom must be the primary supervisor of the PhD thesis

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The Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) pursues a non-discriminatory employment policy and values equal opportunities, as well as diversity. Individuals from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.