"Theology, Religious Studies & Ethics – Doctoral Positions (SSH Call 2026)"

The University of Vienna invites outstanding candidates to apply for multiple doctoral positions in Theology, Religious Studies, and Ethics, as part of its SSH Doctoral Call 2026, offering more than 40 funded doctoral positions in total.

Your personal sphere of influence:

We are looking for international early-career researchers interested in pursuing doctoral research in the fields of religion, theology, ethics, and related interdisciplinary perspectives. Doctoral researchers will benefit from structured training, strong supervision, and access to interdisciplinary research environments.

Candidates can select from a cross-faculty list of supervisors and doctoral schools (available on the Call website) to match their doctoral project idea.

Your future tasks:

• Prepare a highly original and internationally competitive PhD thesis in your designated field.
• Publish in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and present your research at international conferences.
• Design and teach university courses and supervise students according to the requirements specified in the collective agreement for predoctoral researchers.
• Complete the public presentation of your PhD thesis within one year of your contract starting date.

This is part of your personality:

You can apply if you are a highly qualified graduate who:

• will have completed a Diploma or Master’s degree by 30 June 2026 in a field covered by one of the participating doctoral schools or a closely related discipline;
• demonstrates a strong interest in academic research and in pursuing a PhD at the University of Vienna;
• can clearly assign their proposed dissertation project to the research focus of one of the participating doctoral schools;
• is able to take up the doctoral position between 1 July and 1 October 2026; and
• meets the doctoral admission requirements of the University of Vienna by the start of employment.

What we offer:

• Excellence in research: Join one of Europe’s leading universities with internationally recognised scholars.
• Vibrant research environment: Engage with top research groups, archives, libraries, and cross-disciplinary centres—supported by seminar series, colloquia, and visiting fellows.
• Structured doctoral training: Gain access to methods workshops, transferable-skills development, and opportunities to present your work and receive expert feedback.
• Fair salary: A basic gross salary of EUR 3.714,80 (on a 40h/week basis) per month, 14 times a year.
• Model 2: The employment duration is 4 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 4 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a non-extension declaration.
• International networks: Connect to a global community and collaborative projects that encourage mobility and knowledge exchange.
• Inclusive culture: We foster equal opportunity, diversity, and a collegial environment where talent thrives.

It is that easy to apply (in English):

Applications are submitted exclusively via the University of Vienna PhD Selection Tool. Please follow the “Apply” button on the Call website. Please provide the following information and documents for upload:

• Personal information and contact details,
• Two references (contact details only)
• Information on education, training, and professional experience
• Motivation statement
• Research proposal (max. 5 pages including bibliography)
• Preferred doctoral school and supervisor selected from the published list, with a brief fit statement (no prior commitment required; matching takes place during the recruitment process)

If you have any questions, please refer to the FAQs on the Call website.

Application deadline: 2 March 2026, 2 pm CEST