University Assistant postdoctoral

The University of Vienna is a community of almost 11,000 individuals, including approximately 7,700 academic staff members, who passionately pursue answers to the profound questions that shape our future. Fueled by curiosity and a deep sense of duty, they contribute invaluable insights to research and teaching, enriching our society. Are you inspired and driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact? We are currently seeking a/an

University Assistant postdoctoral

45 Faculty of Philological and Cultural Studies
Startdate:01.07.2026 | Working hours:40 | Collective bargaining agreement:§48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc)
Limited until:30.06.2032
Reference no.:5567

Your personal sphere of play:

Your future position is located at the Department of African Studies, which is part of the Faculty of Philogical and Cultural Studies. The Department is distinguished by its excellent research in three areas: History and Societies, Literary Studies and Linguistics. You will be assigned to the area of African History and Societies, and work with a thematic focus, preferably, on one of the subsequent areas: environmental history, history of infrastructures, gender inequality, medicine or religion.

Your future tasks:

Active participation in research, teaching & administration. This means:

• You support the Chair of "History and Societes of Africa".
• You build up an independent research profile.
• You prepare and complete a publication-ready habilitation.
• You participate in research projects and academic collaborations within the Department and beyond the discipline.
• You publish internationally and give lectures.
• You apply for projects and raise third-party funds.
• You participate in internal working groups and have an interest in the topic of “the public sphere”.
• You contribute to the production of blogs and the design of the Department's podcast series.
• You teach courses independently in German and English within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
• You participate in the supervision of BA and MA theses and in examination activities in both German and English.
• You participate in evaluation measures and in quality assurance.
• You take on administrative tasks in research, teaching and administration

This is part of your personality:

• Completed doctoral/PhD studies in African Studies or a relevant discipline in history, social sciences or cultural studies with a focus on Africa
• Thematic focus on one of the following fields of work is advantageous: environmental history, history of infrastructures, gender inequality, medicine, religion
• You are grounded in historical approaches, methods and debates. Furthermore, you are skilled in conducting archival research and/or using oral history methods
• Outstanding doctoral thesis
• Research competence and initiative placed in international publications in peer-relevant journals
• Didactic skills / experience in e-learning
• Team player and high social/communicative skills

What we offer:

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours and can also work remotely (by agreement).

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment.

Good public transport connections: Your workplace in the center of beautiful Vienna is easily accessible by public transport.

Internal further training & Coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.

Fixed-term contract and fair salary:The basic salary of EUR 5.014,30 (14 times a year) for a period of 6 years / 72 months increases if we can credit professional experience.

Equal opportunities for all:We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

It is that easy to apply:

• With a letter of intent
• Your academic curriculum vitae
• Your list of publications and courses taught
• A brief statement about your teaching philosophy
• An outline of your research proposal (3-5 pages)
• Certificate of your Doctoral Degree
• Contact details of persons who could provide reference letters
• Via our job portal / Apply now - button

If you have any questions, please contact:

Kirsten Rüther
kirsten.ruether@univie.ac.at

We look forward to new personalities in our team!
The University of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance to equal opportunities, the advancement of women and diversity. We place particular emphasis on enhancing women’s representation among the academic and general university staff, particularly in leadership roles, 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: 05/15/2026