Senior Scientist for ComAI Ethnography Lab NexusSoSci

49 Faculty of Social Sciences

Startdate:01.07.2026 | Working hours:40 | Collective bargaining agreement:§48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc)

Limited until:30.06.2030

Reference no.:5796

The new Core Facility NexusSoSci is being established at the Faculty of Social Sciences. NexusSoSci provides the infrastructural and technical foundations for a central service and competence center for social science research. It brings together qualitative and quantitative methodological expertise in data collection, data preparation, and data analysis. The three Senior Scientists and the Coordinator employed in the facility play a key role in developing the digital, material, and spatial infrastructures that support research projects, training, and networking activities. The position will initially be based at the Dean's Office of the Faculty of Social Sciences and then transferred to a subunit following a positive evaluation.

We intend to fill the position of Senior Scientist for the ComAI Ethnography Lab from 1st of July 2026 onwards, but at the latest by 1st of September 2026. The position is initially limited to four years. Conversion to a permanent position is generally possible, contingent on a positive evaluation and secured funding for the Core Facility.

Your personal sphere of play:

The ComAI Ethnography Lab within the framework of NexusSoSci is a competence hub and the central service point for the use of multimodal ethnography (e.g. walkthrough, focused and digital ethnography) in qualitative-interpretive social research with and about communicative AI. The Senior Scientist plays a key role by (1) establishing and advancing the emerging field of Communicative AI (ComAI), (2) providing scientific advice on the planning of ethnographically oriented research projects related to AI, and (3) leading training and networking activities.

Responsibilities:

Develop (multimodal) ethnography with a special focus on AI-generated data (text, speech, image, video, audio)
Transfer knowledge on new ComAI technologies and related interpretative research methods
Monitor trends and networking in AI-supported method innovation in interpretive social research
Support the planning of ethnographic research projects regarding automated data processing such as AI-supported transcription and anonymization/pseudonymization of multimodal data, and (AI-supported) data interpretation (e.g. walkthrough, digital ethnography, video interaction analysis)
Assess and support the potential of archiving qualitative data
Develop and deliver workshops for ethnographic researchers with and on ComAI at the University of Vienna
Teach qualitative methods in social research at the intersection of ComAI research and ethnography in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement
Contribute to the strategic development of the ComAI Ethnography Lab through needs assessment, national and international networking and partnerships

This is part of your personality:

Completed doctorate or PhD in the social sciences such as sociology or a related field
Excellent methodological knowledge of qualitative-interpretative social research
Relevant experience in ethnographic research (sociological, anthropological, focused, digital, multimodal ethnography)
Sociological expertise on communicative AI (ComAI)
Experience with AI-based tools, technical interest and willingness to familiarize yourself with new tools
Knowledge of using camera and audio equipment as well as video editing software in social science research
Understanding of ethical aspects of research with and about AI, as well as digital and audiovisual data
Experience in project management and third-party funding acquisition
Ability to convey complex methodological and technical issues in an understandable and target group-oriented manner
High level of cooperation and communication skills as well as interest in building scientific infrastructure
Strong teamwork and organizational skills
Independent, structured and responsible way of working

What we offer:

We offer you the opportunity to participate in an inspiring research environment that brings together notable experts in the field (networking)
You can make a meaningful contribution in a socially relevant area ("pioneering work")
You will work in a team of dedicated colleagues at one of the world's most renowned universities, which is also family-friendly
Your salary is 5,014.30 Euros (full-time basis; gross) and increases if we can credit professional experience.