PostDoc in Organization and Geography of Software development (f/m/d)

Full-Time | Up to 2 years | On-site in Vienna and Linz (AT) | Start Date: 01.02.2026 or later

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Transforming Economies Lab at IT:U (Interdisciplinary Transformation University Austria), in collaboration with the Transforming Economies Group at the Complexity Science Hub (CSH), is building a research program centered on the analysis of large-scale digital traces of software development.

The project works with high-resolution data capturing line-by-line coding activity and focuses on the development of integrated data pipelines that transform raw digital trace data into structured, datasets for research. The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the design, implementation, and extension of these pipelines, working with Python-based workflows and high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure.

Building on this infrastructure, the project supports empirical research in close collaboration with the team on the organization and geography of software development, collaboration and teamwork, and the role of automation and AI tools in software production. Depending on interests and strengths, the postdoctoral researcher may place greater emphasis either on pipeline development or on leading and co-developing empirical research, while remaining embedded in the shared research program.

The joint IT:U–CSH setting provides an environment in which data engineering and academic research are tightly coupled, with strong support for the collaborative development of scalable and reproducible research workflows.

THE RESEARCH TEAM

The Transforming Economies Lab at IT:U and the Transforming Economies Group at CSH form a joint research environment that bridges two complementary institutions.

IT:U offers a growing academic setting with a strong focus on data-intensive research, computational methods, and interdisciplinary collaboration. CSH is an internationally visible research institute dedicated to the study of complex systems, with a long-standing tradition of combining computational approaches with substantive questions in the social sciences.

Operating across both institutions, the Transforming Economies Lab/Group integrates theory-driven social science, large-scale data analysis, and the engineering of shared research infrastructure. Researchers benefit from access to rich collaborative networks, high-performance computing resources, and a research culture that encourages methodological innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration and learning. The joint setup offers a unique environment for postdocs who wish to combine infrastructure development and scientific research while working closely with scholars from diverse disciplinary backgrounds.

Your tasks and responsibilities:

• Conduct empirical research on local labor markets in software development and their spatial structure
• Analyze career trajectories and labor market outcomes of software developers
• Design and implement quantitative empirical analyses, including regression-based and, where appropriate, causal identification strategies
• Work with large and complex datasets, potentially including administrative or registry data
• Collaborate closely with researchers from different disciplinary backgrounds, including computational and data-oriented colleagues
• Contribute to and lead peer-reviewed publications and present results at international conferences
• Participate in project-based teaching and supervision activities at IT:U (light teaching load)
• Engage actively in the interdisciplinary research life of IT:U and CSH, including seminars, workshops, and collaborative initiatives

Your strengths and skills:

Applicants should have strong training in empirical social science and an interest in interdisciplinary research. Required qualifications include:

• A completed PhD in economics, economic geography, management, or a closely related field
• Solid experience with quantitative empirical methods, including regression analysis and applied econometrics
• Experience working with large-scale micro data (e.g., administrative, registry, or digital trace data)
• Experience with Python and proficiency in Stata or R are highly desirable
• Familiarity with relevant conceptual frameworks in labor economics, economic geography, management, or innovation studies
• Ability to work productively in collaborative and interdisciplinary research teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Onsite presence in Vienna and/or Linz is required

The position is particularly well suited for social science researchers who wish to deepen their data science and computational skills while maintaining a strong empirical research profile.

What you can expect:

• An exciting research environment in an interdisciplinary and collaborative team
• Access to the research communities and infrastructure of both IT:U and CSH
• Strong international connections through the Transforming Economies Lab’s network of collaborators
• A unique opportunity to contribute to the development of a new university at IT:U
• Flexible working hours through a flextime model
• Opportunity to gain experience in project-based teaching at IT:U

How to apply

We look forward to receiving your online application, including your CV, cover letter and PhD certificate.

Application materials must be submitted through our online portal (linked at the bottom of the page).

In the cover letter (max. 4 pages), please briefly address:

• Your scientific vision, proposed research program, and training goals, and how these align with the strengths of CSH and IT:U
• Your experience with empirical analysis using large or complex datasets
• The types of quantitative methods you commonly use (e.g., regression analysis, causal identification strategies)
• Your interest in research on labor markets, geography, and careers, and how this relates to your previous work
• Your experience working in collaborative or interdisciplinary research settings
• Your interest in further developing data science or computational skills as part of your research agenda

Competitive compensation starting from € 67.000 yearly gross salary

*come as you are – we value and promote diversity in our team. Everyone is encouraged to realize their full potential, realize ideas and seize opportunities. Regardless of age, skin colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or origin, we welcome applications from all people equally.