Senior Scientist for Register Data Lab NexusSoSci

Senior Scientist for Register Data Lab NexusSoSci

49 Faculty of Social Sciences
Startdate:01.07.2026 | Working hours:40 | Collective bargaining agreement:§48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc)
Reference no.:5781

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.

We intend to fill the position of Senior Scientist for the Register Data Lab from 01 July 2026 onwards, but latest by 15 October 2026.

Your personal sphere of play:

The Register Data Lab within NexusSoSci, creates the infrastructural, methodological and technical foundations for the use of Austrian register data in social science research. Its aim is to build a central scientific service and competence centre for register-based social research. The Senior Scientist will make a substantial contribution to this objective through (1) the development of standardised data modules, (2) scientific consulting in the planning of research projects, and (3) training and networking activities.

Your future tasks:

• Acting as a central point of contact for questions concerning the use of Austrian register data, particularly in relation to AMDC data, their scientific use and linkage
• Providing expert advice to researchers in the planning of register-data-based research projects
• Conducting preliminary assessments of the feasibility of specific projects, particularly with regard to data availability and linkage potential, including the linkage of survey and register data, as well as clarifying data protection issues
• Developing standardized modules for the preparation of AMDC data based on raw data, and continuously further developing these modules, i.e. providing, maintaining and documenting Python and R code for further use in AMDC projects, using modern data science methods and machine learning approaches
• Documenting data preparation processes, modules and workflows in a transparent and reusable manner
• Creating synthetic datasets for consulting and training purposes
• Designing and organizing training courses, tutorials and workshops for researchers at the University of Vienna
• Contributing to the strategic development of the Register Data Lab through needs assessments, national and international networking, and exchange with relevant partner institutions
• Teaching in the field of social science methods in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement

This is part of your personality:

• Completed doctoral or PhD degree in a relevant discipline, particularly in the social sciences, statistics, data science or a related field
• Demonstrated expertise in social science research based on large and complex datasets, in particular register data
• Sound knowledge of Austrian register data and their linkage potential
• Excellent programming skills in Python, and very good knowledge of R and Stata
• Excellent knowledge of quantitative methods in empirical social research, including panel data analysis and spatial analysis
• Knowledge of machine learning
• Knowledge of the creation of synthetic datasets
• Experience in project management and third-party funding acquisition
• Ability to communicate complex methodological and technical topics clearly to diverse audiences
• Strong cooperation and communication skills, with an interest in building scientific infrastructure
• Excellent teamwork and organizational skills
• Independent, structured, and responsible work style

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.