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

Full-Time | Up to 4 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:

• Design, implement, and maintain integrated data pipelines for processing large-scale digital trace data of software development
• Work with high-resolution, line-by-line coding activity data using Python-based workflows and high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure
• Collaborate with PhD students, postdocs, and senior researchers to shape a shared research agenda, including contributions to grant writing
• Co-develop and, where appropriate, lead research projects building on the shared infrastructure
• Contribute to and/or lead publications in peer-reviewed journals and present results at international conferences
• Engage actively in the interdisciplinary research life of IT:U and CSH, including seminars, workshops, and collaborative initiatives

Your strengths and skills:

Applicants should demonstrate strong potential for data-intensive, collaborative research. Required qualifications include:

• A completed PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g., physics, applied mathematics, computer science, economics, management, economic geography, or related fields)
• Experience working with computational or data-intensive research methods, including large or complex datasets
• Knowledge of Python for data analysis and workflow development
• Familiarity with, or strong interest in, the engineering of research pipelines, including issues of scalability, reproducibility, and collaborative use
• Ability to work productively in interdisciplinary teams with researchers from diverse technical and disciplinary backgrounds
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English on minimum level C1
• Onsite presence in Vienna and/or Linz is required

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 your cover letter, please briefly describe:

• your experience working with computational or data-intensive research workflows,
• how you see the relationship between data infrastructure and substantive research questions in your own work, and
• which aspects of the position—pipeline development, collaborative infrastructure, or leading empirical research—you would be most interested in shaping, and why.

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.