"Senior Scientist in Medieval History and Historical Auxiliary Sciences"

The Faculty of Historical and Cultural Studies at the University of Vienna is seeking to fill a Senior Scientist position (m/f/d) in Medieval History and Historical Auxiliary Sciences.

Among the many reasons to research and teach at the University of Vienna there is one in particular, which has convinced around 7,500 academic staff members so far. They see themselves as personalities who need space for continuous striving for top international research and scientific excellence. At the same time they enjoy support and liberties that are not a given at other institutions. Does that sound like something for you? Welcome to our team!

Your personal sphere of play: The Institute for Austrian Historical Research has a long-standing tradition in the training of archivists. As part of the Faculty of Historical and Cultural Studies, which brings together all historical disciplines at the University of Vienna, it is an internationally recognized research and training center for historical methodology and auxiliary sciences (paleography, diplomatics, records management, source studies, etc.) as well as archival studies. The close institutional ties with Austrian archives in both teaching and research provide an excellent working environment for this position. Additional attractiveness is offered by the opportunities for cooperation with the faculty’s key research areas.

Your future tasks: Successful candidates will actively participate in the training of archivists, further develop the training program in consultation with the archives, coordinate external teaching, and conduct innovative research in the field of archival studies. They will have extensive knowledge of the theory and practice of archival science, be familiar with international debates in the field, and aim to contribute with a long-term research project to addressing the current challenges archives increasingly face—for example, legal requirements, digital archiving, and digitization. These transformations require broad expertise, including knowledge of appraisal and records creation, preservation, and access to both analog and digital information (records) and interactions, along with the necessary auxiliary and archival science skills. Familiarity with the Austrian archival system as well as with the history of administration and its institutions is desirable. We invite applications from colleagues who wish to shape the future direction of archival studies through innovative, theory-driven, and practice-oriented research in an optimal research environment. Close cooperation with Austrian and international archives as well as participation in the key research areas of the Faculty of Historical and Cultural Studies provide numerous opportunities to further develop one’s research in an intellectually stimulating network.

Your Qualifications: Doctorate/PhD, Completed qualification for Higher Archival Service, Professional experience in Higher Archival Service, Competence in gender and diversity issues, Commitment to excellent teaching and supervision at the BA and MA levels.

What we offer: Employment that will become permanent after the successful completion of an evaluation agreement within two to three years, A dynamic research environment, Close integration with the Austrian archival community, A wide range of support services for research and teaching, Attractive working conditions in a city with a high quality of life, A competitive salary according to the Collective Agreement for Employees of Universities: 4.932,90; EUR (level B1), with the possibility of overpayment, An occupational pension scheme.

It is that easy to apply: Motivation letter, Academic CV (Educational background, academic degrees (PhD certificate, PDF), Previous positions, List of publications and lectures), Research statement (Key research results and planned future research activities), Teaching and supervision statement (Concept for teaching and supervision in archival training).

If you have any content questions, please contact: Peter Becker.

The University of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance to equal opportunities, the advancement of women and diversity. We lay special emphasis on increasing the number of women in senior and in academic positions among the academic and general university staff and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.

University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.

Application deadline: 10/31/2025.